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Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 44630

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Dr. Alina-Maria Holban

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Faculty of Biology, Microbiology Department, University of Bucharest, Aleea Portocalelor, No. 1-3, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: alternative antimicrobials; biofilm modulation; host-pathogen interactions; antibacterial nanoparticles
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Dear Colleagues,

As bacteria adapt quickly, current antibiotics become ineffective, leading the era of antibiotics to a close end. Patients in critical care units and those with indwelling devices are the most prone to severe infections, caused by drug resistant and biofilm related pathogens, which cause more than 70% of the deaths in these patients. Curently, clinicians and researchers seek for efficient alternatives to obtain vaccines and advanced antimicrobials, such as those with natural origin, or innovative synthetic antibiotics able to reduce the selection of resistant bugs, while avoiding harmful effects both against the host and environment. Nanostructured materials, used at plain particles or functionalized with natural compounds or synthetic antibiotics proved their potential of being efficient against most clinically relevant microorganisms, including resistant bacteria (superbugs) and biofilm-embedded microbes. The purpose of this special issue is to publish an updated collection of original research papers and reviews aiming to reveal the lates progress on the field of antimicrobial nanoparticles and coatings, as a promising solution for infections produced by multidrug resistant bacteria and biofilms.

Dr. Alina-Maria Holban
Guest Editor

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Keywords

nanobiomaterials
antimicrobial nanoparticles
biofilm modulation
surfaces and coatings to control bacterial attachment
molecules and nanodrugs
drug delivery
multifunctional materials
infection control
vaccines for drug resistant bacteria

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Related Special Issue

Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges 2.0 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences (7 articles)

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 6254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Properties of TiO₂ Microparticles Coated with Ca- and Cu-Based Composite Layers

by Razvan Bucuresteanu, Monica Ionita, Viorel Chihaia, Anton Ficai, Roxana-Doina Trusca, Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Andrei Kuncser, Alina-Maria Holban, Grigore Mihaescu, Gabriela Petcu, Adela Nicolaev, Ruxandra M. Costescu, Mihai Husch, Viorica Parvulescu and Lia-Mara Ditu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(13), 6888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23136888 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2075

Abstract

The ability of TiO₂ to generate reactive oxygen species under UV radiation makes it an efficient candidate in antimicrobial studies. In this context, the preparation of TiO₂ microparticles coated with Ca- and Cu-based composite layers over which Cu(II), Cu(I), and Cu(0) species were identified is presented here. The obtained materials were characterized by a wide range of analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), X-ray photoelectron (XPS), and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The antimicrobial efficiency was evaluated using qualitative and quantitative standard methods and standard clinical microbial strains. A significant aspect of this composite is that the antimicrobial properties were evidenced both in the presence and absence of the light, as result of competition between photo and electrical effects. However, the antibacterial effect was similar in darkness and light for all samples. Because no photocatalytic properties were found in the absence of copper, the results sustain the antibacterial effect of the electric field (generated by the electrostatic potential of the composite layer) both under the dark and in light conditions. In this way, the composite layers supported on the TiO₂ microparticles’ surface can offer continuous antibacterial protection and do not require the presence of a permanent light source for activation. However, the antimicrobial effect in the dark is more significant and is considered to be the result of the electric field effect generated on the composite layer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges)

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24 pages, 8232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Obtained by Wet Chemical Reduction and Solvothermal Methods

by Liliana Marinescu, Denisa Ficai, Anton Ficai, Ovidiu Oprea, Adrian Ionut Nicoara, Bogdan Stefan Vasile, Laura Boanta, Alexandru Marin, Ecaterina Andronescu and Alina-Maria Holban

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(11), 5982; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23115982 - 26 May 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 3512

Abstract

The synthesis of nanoparticles from noble metals has received high attention from researchers due to their unique properties and their wide range of applications. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in particular, show a remarkable inhibitory effect against microorganisms and viruses. Various methods have been developed to obtain AgNPs, however the stability of such nanostructures over time is still challenging. Researchers attempt to obtain particular shapes and sizes in order to tailor AgNPs properties for specific areas, such as biochemistry, biology, agriculture, electronics, medicine, and industry. The aim of this study was to design AgNPs with improved antimicrobial characteristics and stability. Two different wet chemical routes were considered: synthesis being performed (i) reduction method at room temperatures and (ii) solvothermal method at high temperature. Here, we show that the antimicrobial properties of the obtained AgNPs, are influenced by their synthesis route, which impact on the size and shape of the structures. This work analyses and compares the antimicrobial properties of the obtained AgNPs, based on their structure, sizes and morphologies which are influenced, in turn, not only by the type or quantities of precursors used but also by the temperature of the reaction. Generally, AgNPs obtained by solvothermal, at raised temperature, registered better antimicrobial activity as compared to NPs obtained by reduction method at room temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges)

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17 pages, 5124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Anticancer Activity Conferred by the Mud Crab Antimicrobial Peptide Scyreprocin through Apoptosis and Membrane Disruption

by Ying Yang, Hui-Yun Chen, Hua Hao and Ke-Jian Wang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(10), 5500; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23105500 - 14 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3340

Abstract

Scyreprocin is an antimicrobial peptide first identified in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Herein, we showed that its recombinant product (rScyreprocin) could significantly inhibit the growth of human lung cancer NCI-H460 cells (H460), but showed no cytotoxicity to human lung fibroblasts (HFL1). rScyreprocin was a membrane-active peptide that firstly induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H460, and led to endoplasmic reticulum stress and Ca²⁺ release, which resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequently activation of caspase-3 cascades, and ultimately led to apoptosis. The comprehensive results indicated that rScyreprocin exerted anticancer activity by disrupting cell membrane and inducing apoptosis. The in vivo efficacy test demonstrated that intratumoral injection of rScyreprocin significantly inhibited the growth of H460 xenografts, which was close to that of the cisplatin (inhibition rate: 69.94% vs. 80.76%). Therefore, rScyreprocin is expected to become a promising candidate for the treatment of lung cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges)

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17 pages, 12990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Strategy for Creating an Antibacterial Surface Using a Highly Efficient Electrospray-Based Method for Silica Deposition

by Odelia Levana, Soonkook Hong, Se Hyun Kim, Ji Hoon Jeong, Sung Sik Hur, Jin Woo Lee, Kye-Si Kwon and Yongsung Hwang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010513 - 3 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3052

Abstract

Adhesion of bacteria on biomedical implant surfaces is a prerequisite for biofilm formation, which may increase the chances of infection and chronic inflammation. In this study, we employed a novel electrospray-based technique to develop an antibacterial surface by efficiently depositing silica homogeneously onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film to achieve hydrophobic and anti-adhesive properties. We evaluated its potential application in inhibiting bacterial adhesion using both Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. These silica-deposited PET surfaces could provide hydrophobic surfaces with a water contact angle greater than 120° as well as increased surface roughness (root mean square roughness value of 82.50 ± 16.22 nm and average roughness value of 65.15 ± 15.26 nm) that could significantly reduce bacterial adhesion by approximately 66.30% and 64.09% for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, compared with those on plain PET surfaces. Furthermore, we observed that silica-deposited PET surfaces showed no detrimental effects on cell viability in human dermal fibroblasts, as confirmed by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and live/dead assays. Taken together, such approaches that are easy to synthesize, cost effective, and efficient, and could provide innovative strategies for preventing bacterial adhesion on biomedical implant surfaces in the clinical setting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges)

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15 pages, 2910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Activation of Hydroxyapatite to Improve Fluoride Incorporation and Modulate Bacterial Biofilm

by Maria Elena Zarif, Sașa Alexandra Yehia, Bogdan Biță, Veronica Sătulu, Sorin Vizireanu, Gheorghe Dinescu, Alina Maria Holban, Florica Marinescu, Ecaterina Andronescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă and Alexandru Titus Farcașiu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(23), 13103; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222313103 - 3 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2743

Abstract

Despite the technological progress of the last decade, dental caries is still the most frequent oral health threat in children and adults alike. Such a condition has multiple triggers and is caused mainly by enamel degradation under the acidic attack of microbial cells, which compose the biofilm of the dental plaque. The biofilm of the dental plaque is a multispecific microbial consortium that periodically develops on mammalian teeth. It can be partially removed through mechanical forces by individual brushing or in specialized oral care facilities. Inhibition of microbial attachment and biofilm formation, as well as methods to strengthen dental enamel to microbial attack, represent the key factors in caries prevention. The purpose of this study was to elaborate a cold plasma-based method in order to modulate microbial attachment and biofilm formation and to improve the retention of fluoride (F⁻) in an enamel-like hydroxyapatite (HAP) model sample. Our results showed improved F retention in the HAP model, which correlated with an increased antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect. The obtained cold plasma with a dual effect exhibited through biofilm modulation and enamel strengthening through fluoridation is intended for dental application, such as preventing and treating dental caries and enamel deterioration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges)

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12 pages, 3214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soft Surface Nanostructure with Semi-Free Polyionic Components for Sustainable Antimicrobial Plastic

by Shook Pui Chan, Diane S. W. Lim, Arunmozhiarasi Armugam, Guangshun Yi and Yugen Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(22), 12315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222212315 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2245

Abstract

Surface antimicrobial materials are of interest as they can combat the critical threat of microbial contamination without contributing to issues of environmental contamination and the development drug resistance. Most nanostructured surfaces are prepared by post fabrication modifications and actively release antimicrobial agents. These properties limit the potential applications of nanostructured materials on flexible surfaces. Here, we report on an easily synthesized plastic material with inherent antimicrobial activity, demonstrating excellent microbicidal properties against common bacteria and fungus. The plastic material did not release antimicrobial components as they were anchored to the polymer chains via strong covalent bonds. Time-kill kinetics studies have shown that bactericidal effects take place when bacteria come into contact with a material for a prolonged period, resulting in the deformation and rupture of bacteria cells. A scanning probe microscopy analysis revealed soft nanostructures on the submicron scale, for which the formation is thought to occur via surface phase separation. These soft nanostructures allow for polyionic antimicrobial components to be present on the surface, where they freely interact with and kill microbes. Overall, the new green and sustainable plastic is easily synthesized and demonstrates inherent and long-lasting activity without toxic chemical leaching. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges)

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Review

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16 pages, 1624 KiB

Open AccessReview

Improving the Management and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infection: Challenges and Research Opportunities

by Kaja Turzańska, Oluwafolajimi Adesanya, Ashwene Rajagopal, Mary T. Pryce and Deirdre Fitzgerald Hughes

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(4), 3913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043913 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4299

Abstract

Diabetic foot infection (DFI) management requires complex multidisciplinary care pathways with off-loading, debridement and targeted antibiotic treatment central to positive clinical outcomes. Local administration of topical treatments and advanced wound dressings are often used for more superficial infections, and in combination with systemic antibiotics for more advanced infections. In practice, the choice of such topical approaches, whether alone or as adjuncts, is rarely evidence-based, and there does not appear to be a single market leader. There are several reasons for this, including a lack of clear evidence-based guidelines on their efficacy and a paucity of robust clinical trials. Nonetheless, with a growing number of people living with diabetes, preventing the progression of chronic foot infections to amputation is critical. Topical agents may increasingly play a role, especially as they have potential to limit the use of systemic antibiotics in an environment of increasing antibiotic resistance. While a number of advanced dressings are currently marketed for DFI, here we review the literature describing promising future-focused approaches for topical treatment of DFI that may overcome some of the current hurdles. Specifically, we focus on antibiotic-impregnated biomaterials, novel antimicrobial peptides and photodynamic therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges)

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20 pages, 1495 KiB

Open AccessReview

Carrageenan-Based Compounds as Wound Healing Materials

by Bogdan Neamtu, Andreea Barbu, Mihai Octavian Negrea, Cristian Ștefan Berghea-Neamțu, Dragoș Popescu, Marius Zăhan and Vioara Mireșan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169117 - 14 Aug 2022

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 6729

Abstract

The following review is focused on carrageenan, a heteroglycan-based substance that is a very significant wound healing biomaterial. Every biomaterial has advantages and weaknesses of its own, but these drawbacks are typically outweighed by combining the material in various ways with other substances. Carrageenans’ key benefits include their water solubility, which enables them to keep the wound and periwound damp and absorb the wound exudate. They have low cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and antioxidant qualities, do not stick to the wound bed, and hence do not cause pain when removed from the wounded region. When combined with other materials, they can aid in hemostasis. This review emphasizes the advantages of using carrageenan for wound healing, including the use of several mixes that improve its properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges)

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18 pages, 10707 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Development of Polydopamine Anti-Bacterial Nanomaterials

by Zhengwei Xu, Tingting Wang and Junqiu Liu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(13), 7278; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23137278 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 4663

Abstract

Polydopamine (PDA), as a mussel-inspired material, exhibits numerous favorable performance characteristics, such as a simple preparation process, prominent photothermal transfer efficiency, excellent biocompatibility, outstanding drug binding ability, and strong adhesive properties, showing great potential in the biomedical field. The rapid development of this field in the past few years has engendered substantial progress in PDA antibacterial materials. This review presents recent advances in PDA-based antimicrobial materials, including the preparation methods and antibacterial mechanisms of free-standing PDA materials and PDA-based composite materials. Furthermore, the urgent challenges and future research opportunities for PDA antibacterial materials are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges)

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30 pages, 4382 KiB

Open AccessReview

Ag Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications—Synthesis and Characterization—A Review

by Alexandra Nicolae-Maranciuc, Dan Chicea and Liana Maria Chicea

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(10), 5778; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23105778 - 21 May 2022

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 5488

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles have been intensively studied over a long period of time because they exhibit antibacterial properties in infection treatments, wound healing, or drug delivery systems. The advantages that silver nanoparticles offer regarding the functionalization confer prolonged stability and make them suitable for biomedical applications. Apart from functionalization, silver nanoparticles exhibit various shapes and sizes depending on the conditions used through their fabrications and depending on their final purpose. This paper presents a review of silver nanoparticles with respect to synthesis procedures, including the polluting green synthesis. Currently, the most commonly used characterization techniques required for nanoparticles investigation in antibacterial treatments are described briefly, since silver nanoparticles possess differences in their structure or morphology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges)

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14 pages, 1901 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emerging Trends in Pullulan-Based Antimicrobial Systems for Various Applications

by Mahendra Rai, Magdalena Wypij, Avinash P. Ingle, Joanna Trzcińska-Wencel and Patrycja Golińska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(24), 13596; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222413596 - 18 Dec 2021

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5061

Abstract

Global reports on multidrug resistance (MDR) and life-threatening pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and Candida cruris have stimulated researchers to explore new antimicrobials that are eco-friendly and economically viable. In this context, biodegradable polymers such as nisin, chitin, and pullulan play an important role in solving the problem. Pullulan is an important edible, biocompatible, water-soluble polymer secreted by Aureobasidium pullulans that occurs ubiquitously. It consists of maltotriose units linked with α-1,6 glycosidic bonds and is classed as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA. Pullulan is known for its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumor activities when incorporated with other additives such as antibiotics, drugs, nanoparticles, and so on. Considering the importance of its antimicrobial activities, this polymer can be used as a potential antimicrobial agent against various pathogenic microorganisms including the multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Moreover, pullulan has ability to synthesize biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which are remarkably efficacious against pathogenic microbes. The pullulan-based nanocomposites can be applied for wound healing, food packaging, and also enhancing the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. In this review, we have discussed biosynthesis of pullulan and its role as antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal agent. Pullulan-based films impregnated with different antimicrobials such as AgNPs, chitosan, essential oils, and so on, forming nanocomposites have also been discussed as natural alternatives to combat the problems posed by pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Strategies in Biomaterials: Current Progress and Challenges)

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