Open Access
The rapid increase in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, combined with a dwindling rate of discovery of novel antibiotic molecules, has created an alarming issue worldwide. Although the occurrence of resistance in microbes is a natural process, the overuse of antibiotics is known to increase the rate of resistance evolution. Under antibiotic treatment, susceptible bacteria inevitably die, while resistant microorganisms proliferate under reduced competition. Therefore, the out-of-control use of antibiotics eliminates drug-susceptible species that would naturally limit the expansion of resistant species. In addition, the ability of many microbial species to grow as a biofilm has further complicated the treatment of infections with conventional antibiotics. A number of corrective measures are currently being explored to reverse or slow antibiotic resistance evolution, Among which one of the most promising solutions is the development of polymer-based antimicrobial compounds. In this Special Issue, different polymer systems able to prevent or treat biofilm formation, including cationic polymers, antibacterial peptide-mimetic polymers, polymers or composites able to load and release bioactive molecules, and antifouling polymers able to repel microbes by physical or chemical mechanisms are reported. Their applications in the design and fabrication of medical devices, in food packaging, and as drug carriers is investigated.
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29Simultaneous hydrogel crosslinking and silver nanoparticle formation by using ionizing radiation to obtain antimicrobial hydrogels
Simultaneous hydrogel crosslinking and silver nanoparticle formation by using ionizing radiation to obtain antimicrobial hydrogels
Read more100Amphipathic antibacterial agents using cationic methacrylic polymers with natural rosin as pendant group
We prepared a class of novel cationic polymers as antimicrobial agents: quaternary ammonium-containing poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) with natural rosin as the pendant group (PDMAEMA-g-rosin). Different from most other amphipathic antimicrobial polymeric systems reported in the literature, our approach sandwiched the hydrophilic cationic group between the polymer backbone and bulky hydrophobic hydrophenanthrene side groups. A simple quaternization reaction was used to link the rosin ester chloride and PDMAEMA homopolymers. Both the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) were tested against the PDMAEMA-g-rosin copolymers. PDMAEMA-g-rosin copolymers with the amphipathic structure exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus. Both the degree of quaternization of rosin group and the molecular weight of PDMAEMA played roles in antimicrobial activities. Our results also indicated that conformation of hydrophobic group (particularly steric hindrance) played a role in dictating antibacterial efficacy. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to characterize morphological changes of bacteria after exposure with PDMAEMA-g-rosin copolymers. Possible mechanisms on a combination of ionic and hydrophobic interactions between bacterial cells and polymers are discussed.
Read more3MAPLE deposition of hybrid PLGA-Fe3O4- Cypress-PEDOT: PSS coatings
MAPLE deposition of hybrid PLGA-Fe3O4- Cypress-PEDOT: PSS coatings
70Promising Drug Delivery Approaches to Treat Microbial Infections in the Vagina: A Recent Update.
An optimal host–microbiota interaction in the human vagina governs the reproductive health status of a woman. The marked depletion in the beneficial Lactobacillus sp. increases the risk of infection with sexually transmitted pathogens, resulting in gynaecological issues. Vaginal infections that are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially among women of reproductive age, require an effective concentration of antimicrobial drugs at the infectious sites for complete disease eradication. Thus, topical treatment is recommended as it allows direct therapeutic action, reduced drug doses and side effects, and self-insertion. However, the alterations in the physiological conditions of the vagina affect the effectiveness of vaginal drug delivery considerably. Conventional vaginal dosage forms are often linked to low retention time in the vagina and discomfort which significantly reduces patient compliance. The lack of optimal prevention and treatment approaches have contributed to the unacceptably high rate of recurrence for vaginal diseases. To combat these limitations, several novel approaches including nano-systems, mucoadhesive polymeric systems, and stimuli-responsive systems have been developed in recent years. This review discusses and summarises the recent research progress of these novel approaches for vaginal drug delivery against various vaginal diseases. An overview of the concept and challenges of vaginal infections, anatomy and physiology of the vagina, and barriers to vaginal drug delivery are also addressed.
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