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Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2020) | Viewed by 60180

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Scott Mitchell

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Guest Editor

Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón (ICMA-CSIC/UNIZAR), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: antimicrobial materials; biofilm prevention; biodeterioration; nanoparticles; polyoxometalates; heritage science

Dr. Elena Atrián-Blasco

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Guest Editor

Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón (ICMA-CSIC/UNIZAR), Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: metal coordination and bioinorganic chemistry; metal-mediated ROS; antimicrobial materials; polyoxometalates; peptides; amyloidogenic peptides and proteins

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We live under constant exposure to an abundance of diverse microbial life; however, in many cases, microbial adhesion and colonization can create problems in everyday life. Microbial adhesion is a process that allows microbes such as bacteria and fungi to attach or adhere to other cells and surfaces. Adhesion is an important step for colonization of a new host or environment and can contribute to bacterial pathogenesis, resulting in the rapid spread of microbial infections and an enormous added cost to healthcare systems worldwide. Yet microbial colonization and biofilm formation are problematic for a number of industries, such as the water treatment, maritime, and food industries, as well as the conservation of heritage objects. On top of that, antimicrobial resistance has become one of the largest worldwide health concerns.

The diversity of bacterial and fungal species along with complex biofilms in any particular setting means that comprehensive solutions for controlling microbial surface colonization rarely exist. This is complicated further still by the ever-evolving capacity of microorganisms to develop resistance to any given antimicrobial material or strategy.

Fundamental advances in materials science and chemistry, coupled with greater understanding of microbes has given rise to innovative antibacterial materials, coatings, and strategies. Never before has there been such a wide variety of options for combating microbial proliferation and colonization, but a vast imbalance still remains between these fundamental advances and the translation of the most promising and effective solutions from the laboratory to a commercial setting.

This Special Issue will gather recent advances in the field of antimicrobial materials and coatings and their application in numerous fields. It aims to focus on understanding antimicrobial mechanisms of innovative strategies and to highlight the challenges and obstacles that must be overcome to take these advances from the bench to industry. A particular focus will be given to antifungal materials and on maximizing antimicrobial activity, while simultaneously aiming to reduce cytotoxicity to mammalian cell lines or negative environmental impact.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles and reviews on a number of pertinent topics, including but not limited to:

Novel antimicrobial compounds, materials, and nanoparticles (organic and inorganic);
Innovative antimicrobial surfaces and coatings;
Biofilm disruption materials;
Microbe–material/microbe–surface interactions;
Applications of antimicrobial materials and coatings (water treatment, food packaging, cultural heritage, medical devices, and so forth);
Biodeterioration;
Water treatment;
Self-cleaning surfaces;
Ecotoxicology of new antimicrobial materials.

Dr. Scott G. Mitchell
Dr. Elena Atrián Blasco
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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10 pages, 7798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antifungal Activity of Polyoxometalate-Ionic Liquids on Historical Brick

by Katarzyna Rajkowska, Anna Koziróg, Anna Otlewska, Małgorzata Piotrowska, Elena Atrián-Blasco, Isabel Franco-Castillo and Scott G. Mitchell

Molecules 2020, 25(23), 5663; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25235663 - 1 Dec 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2922

Abstract

Moulds inhabiting mineral-based materials may cause their biodeterioration, contributing to inestimable losses, especially in the case of cultural heritage objects and architectures. Fungi in mouldy buildings may also pose a threat to human health and constitute the main etiological factor in building related illnesses. In this context, research into novel compounds with antifungal activity is of high importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of polyoxometalate-ionic liquids (POM-ILs) and their use in the eradication of moulds from historical brick. In the disc diffusion assay, all the tested POM-ILs inhibited growth of a mixed culture of moulds including Engyodontium album, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria alternata and Aspergillus fumigatus. These were isolated from the surfaces of historical brick barracks at the Auschwitz II-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim, Poland. POM-IL coatings on historical brick samples, under model conditions, showed that two compounds demonstrated very high antifungal activity, completely limiting mould growth and development. The antifungal activity of the POM-ILs appeared to stem from their toxic effects on conidia, as evidenced by environmental scanning transmission electron microscopy observations. The results herein indicated that POM-ILs are promising disinfectant materials for use not only on historical objects, but probably also on other mineral-based materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings)

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17 pages, 1777 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Properties and Application of Multifunctional Composite Polypropylene-Based Films Incorporating a Combination of BHT, BHA and Sorbic Acid in Extending Donut Shelf-Life

by Seyedeh Homa Fasihnia, Seyed Hadi Peighambardoust, Seyed Jamaleddin Peighambardoust, Abdulrasoul Oromiehie, Maral Soltanzadeh, Mirian Pateiro and Jose M. Lorenzo

Molecules 2020, 25(21), 5197; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25215197 - 8 Nov 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3961

Abstract

To extend the shelf-life of packaged donut without the addition of preservative, polypropylene-based active composite films loaded with a combination of sorbic acid, BHA and BHT were prepared by the extrusion moulding method: T₁ (Control-pure PP-film), T₂ (PP-BHT1%-SA2%), T₃ (PP-BHA3%-SA2%) and T₄ (PP-BHT1%-BHA1%-SA2%). The incorporation of active additives enhanced water vapour permeability (WVP) and increased oxygen permeability of films. Active films had higher antioxidant activity than pure PP in the order T₄ > T₂ > T₃ (89.11, 83.40 and 79.16%). In vitro examinations demonstrated a significant antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli and S. aureus growth. Overall migration was not significantly different for watery food simulants, while in acidic and fatty foods increased it significantly. The effect of the active films on the fried and packaged donut samples showed significantly higher moisture contents and peroxide values, while acidity was lower. T₂ film is proposed due to the preservation of the intrinsic properties of the film, increasing the storage period up to 25 to 50 days. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings)

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16 pages, 2870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial s-PBC Coatings for Innovative Multifunctional Water Filters

by Emanuele Luigi Sciuto, Simona Filice, Maria Anna Coniglio, Giuseppina Faro, Leon Gradon, Clelia Galati, Natalia Spinella, Sebania Libertino and Silvia Scalese

Molecules 2020, 25(21), 5196; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25215196 - 8 Nov 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3238

Abstract

Biological contamination is a typical issue in water treatment. Highly concentrated microbial suspensions in a water flow may cause filter occlusion and biofilm formation, affecting the lifespan and quality of water purification systems and increasing the risk of nosocomial infections. In order to contrast the biofilm formation, most of the conventional strategies rely on the water chemical modification and/or on the use of filters functional coatings. The former is unsafe for huge chemicals spilling required; therefore, we focus on the second approach and we propose the use of a sulfonated pentablock copolymer (s-PBC, commercially named Nexar™) as innovative multifunctional coating for improving the performance of commercial water filters. S-PBC-coated polypropylene (PP) samples were tested against the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The covering of PP with s-PBC results in a more hydrophilic, acid, and negatively charged surface. These properties avoid the adhesion and proliferation attempts of planktonic bacteria, i.e., the biofilm formation. Inhibition tests were performed on the as-modified filters and an evident antibacterial activity was observed. The results point out the possibility of using Nexar^TM as coating layer for filters with antifouling properties and a simultaneous ability to remove bacteria and cationic dyes from water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings)

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13 pages, 2599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safety of Concentrated Bioshell Calcium Oxide Water Application for Surface and Skin Disinfections against Pathogenic Microbes

by Masayuki Ishihara, Yuuki Hata, Sumiyo Hiruma, Tomohiro Takayama, Shingo Nakamura, Yoko Sato, Naoko Ando, Koichi Fukuda, Kaoru Murakami and Hidetaka Yokoe

Molecules 2020, 25(19), 4502; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25194502 - 1 Oct 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2611

Abstract

Immediately post-production, commercially available bioshell calcium oxide (BiSCaO) water is colorless, transparent, and strongly alkaline (pH 12.8), and is known to possess deodorizing properties and broad microbicidal activity. However, BiSCaO Water may represent a serious safety risk to the living body, given the strong alkalinity. This study aimed to investigate the safety of BiSCaO Water for use as an antiseptic/disinfectant despite concerns regarding its high alkalinity. The change over time in pH of BiSCaO Water was measured during air contact (stirring BiSCaO Water in ambient air). When sprayed on metal, plastic, wood piece, paper, and skin surfaces, the pH of BiSCaO Water decreased rapidly, providing a white powder coating upon drying. Scanning electron microscopy images, energy dispersive X-ray elemental mapping, and X-ray diffractograms showed that the dried powder residues of BiSCaO Water were composed primarily of calcium carbonate. These results suggested that BiSCaO Water is a potent reagent that may overcome the obstacles of being strongly alkaline, making this material appropriate for use in disinfection against pathogenic microbes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings)

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14 pages, 1478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antifungal and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Photochemically Synthesized Heparin-Coated Gold and Silver Nanoparticles

by María del Pilar Rodriguez-Torres, Luis Armando Díaz-Torres, Blanca E. Millán-Chiu, René García-Contreras, Genoveva Hernández-Padrón and Laura Susana Acosta-Torres

Molecules 2020, 25(12), 2849; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25122849 - 19 Jun 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4143

Abstract

Heparin-based silver nanoparticles (AgHep-NPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuHep-NPs) were produced by a photochemical method using silver nitrate and chloroauric acid as metal precursors and UV light at 254 nm. UV–Vis spectroscopy graphs showed absorption for AgHep-NPs and AuHep-NPs at 420 nm and 530 nm, respectively. TEM revealed a pseudospherical morphology and a small size, corresponding to 10–25 nm for AgHep-NPs and 1.5–7.5 nm for AuHep-NPs. Their antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Issatchenkia orientalis (Candida krusei), and Candida parapsilosis was assessed by the microdilution method. We show that AgHep-NPs were effective in decreasing fungus density, whereas AuHep-NPs were not. Additionally, the viability of human gingival fibroblasts was preserved by both nanoparticle types at a level above 80%, indicating a slight cytotoxicity. These results are potentially useful for applications of the described NPs mainly in dentistry and, to a lesser extent, in other biomedical areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings)

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14 pages, 4497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biofilm Eradication Using Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles

by María Belén Estevez, Sofía Raffaelli, Scott G. Mitchell, Ricardo Faccio and Silvana Alborés

Molecules 2020, 25(9), 2023; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25092023 - 26 Apr 2020

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 4514

Abstract

Microorganisms offer an alternative green and scalable technology for the synthesis of value added products. Fungi secrete high quantities of bioactive substances, which play dual-functional roles as both reducing and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of colloidal metal nanoparticles such as silver nanoparticles, which display potent antimicrobial properties that can be harnessed for a number of industrial applications. The aim of this work was the production of silver nanoparticles using the extracellular cell free extracts of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and to evaluate their activity as antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents. The 45–nm diameter silver nanoparticles synthesized using this methodology possessed a high negative surface charge close to −30 mV and showed colloidal stability from pH 3–9 and under conditions of high ionic strength ([NaCl] = 10–500 mM). A combination of environmental SEM, TEM, and confocal Raman microscopy was used to study the nanoparticle-E. coli interactions to gain a first insight into their antimicrobial mechanisms. Raman data demonstrate a significant decrease in the fatty acid content of E. coli cells, which suggests a loss of the cell membrane integrity after exposure to the PchNPs, which is also commensurate with ESEM and TEM images. Additionally, these biogenic PchNPs displayed biofilm disruption activity for the eradication of E. coli and C. albicans biofilms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings)

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14 pages, 3320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Starch-Based Antifungal Coatings by Incorporation of Natamycin/Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex for Postharvest Treatments on Cherry Tomato against Botrytis cinerea

by Yuexi Yang, Chen Huan, Xianrui Liang, Sheng Fang, Jian Wang and Jie Chen

Molecules 2019, 24(21), 3962; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24213962 - 1 Nov 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4285

Abstract

The application of natamycin as a natural fungicide in edible coatings is challenging because of its low aqueous solubility. In this study, the natamycin/methyl-β-cyclodextrin (N/ME-β-CD) inclusion complex was fabricated and incorporated into waxy corn starch-based coatings for postharvest treatments. The phase solubility of natamycin in the presence of ME-β-CD at 293.2 K, 303.2 K, and 313.2 K is determined and used to calculate the process thermodynamic parameters. The N/ME-β-CD inclusion complex was confirmed and characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The results indicated that the inclusion complex was formed and the hydrophobic part (C16-C26) of natamycin might be partially inserted into the cavity of ME-β-CD form the wide rim. The effects of N/ME-β-CD incorporated starch-based coatings (N/ME-β-CD S coatings) on postharvest treatments of cherry tomatoes were evaluated in vivo. The N/ME-β-CD S coatings could reduce weight loss, delay fruit ripening, and inhibit fruit decay caused by Botrytis cinerea in tomato fruit during storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings)

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17 pages, 4349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Carvacrol Incorporated in Flaxseed Gum-Sodium Alginate Active Films to Improve the Quality Attributes of Chinese Sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) during Cold Storage

by Shiyuan Fang, Qianqian Zhou, Yan Hu, Feng Liu, Jun Mei and Jing Xie

Molecules 2019, 24(18), 3292; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24183292 - 10 Sep 2019

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 3714

Abstract

The objective of this research was to explore the antimicrobial activity and mechanism of carvacrol against Vibrio Parahemolyticus, Shewanella putrefaciens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas fluorescens and evaluate the effect of the addition of carvacrol/β-cyclodextrin emulsions to flaxseed gum (FSG)-sodium alginate (SA) edible films on the preservation of Chinese sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) fillets during refrigerated storage. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of carvacrol against V. parahemolyticus, S. putrefaciens, S. aureus and P. fluorescens were 0.5, 0.5, 0.125, and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase activity assay, nucleotide and protein leakage, and scanning electron microscope demonstrated that carvacrol damaged the external structure of the tested bacterial cells causing leakage of cytoplasmic components. At the same time, when FSG-SA films containing carvacrol used as coating agents for Chinese sea bass fillets cold storage, FSG-SA films containing 1.0 or 2.0 mg/mL carvacrol could significantly reduce TVB-N content, K-value, the degree of microbial deterioration and maintain quality of sea bass fillets according to organoleptic evaluation results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings)

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21 pages, 2378 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antibacterial Cotton Fabric Functionalized with Copper Oxide Nanoparticles

by Luz E. Román, Enrique D. Gomez, José L. Solís and Mónica M. Gómez

Molecules 2020, 25(24), 5802; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245802 - 9 Dec 2020

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 8364

Abstract

Textiles functionalized with cupric oxide (CuO) nanoparticles have become a promising option to prevent the spread of diseases due to their antimicrobial properties, which strongly depend on the structure and morphology of the nanoparticles and the method used for the functionalization process. This article presents a review of work focused on textiles functionalized with CuO nanoparticles, which were classified into two groups, namely, in situ and ex situ. Moreover, the analyzed bacterial strains, the resistance of the antimicrobial properties of textiles to washing processes, and their cytotoxicity were identified. Finally, the possible antimicrobial mechanisms that could develop in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings)

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40 pages, 2248 KiB

Open AccessReview

Encapsulation Systems for Antimicrobial Food Packaging Components: An Update

by Raquel Becerril, Cristina Nerín and Filomena Silva

Molecules 2020, 25(5), 1134; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25051134 - 3 Mar 2020

Cited by 128 | Viewed by 11217

Abstract

Antimicrobial active packaging has emerged as an effective technology to reduce microbial growth in food products increasing both their shelf-life and microbial safety for the consumer while maintaining their quality and sensorial properties. In the last years, a great effort has been made to develop more efficient, long-lasting and eco-friendly antimicrobial materials by improving the performance of the incorporated antimicrobial substances. With this purpose, more effective antimicrobial compounds of natural origin such as bacteriocins, bacteriophages and essential oils have been preferred over synthetic ones and new encapsulation strategies such as emulsions, core-shell nanofibres, cyclodextrins and liposomes among others, have been applied in order to protect these antimicrobials from degradation or volatilization while trying to enable a more controlled release and sustained antimicrobial action. On that account, this article provides an overview of the types of antimicrobials agents used and the most recent trends on the strategies used to encapsulate the antimicrobial agents for their stable inclusion in the packaging materials. Moreover, a thorough discussion regarding the benefits of each encapsulation technology as well as their application in food products is presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings)

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29 pages, 4407 KiB

Open AccessReview

Emerging Applications of Drug Delivery Systems in Oral Infectious Diseases Prevention and Treatment

by Jingou Liang, Xinyu Peng, Xuedong Zhou, Jing Zou and Lei Cheng

Molecules 2020, 25(3), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25030516 - 24 Jan 2020

Cited by 85 | Viewed by 10313

Abstract

The oral cavity is a unique complex ecosystem colonized with huge numbers of microorganism species. Oral cavities are closely associated with oral health and sequentially with systemic health. Many factors might cause the shift of composition of oral microbiota, thus leading to the dysbiosis of oral micro-environment and oral infectious diseases. Local therapies and dental hygiene procedures are the main kinds of treatment. Currently, oral drug delivery systems (DDS) have drawn great attention, and are considered as important adjuvant therapy for oral infectious diseases. DDS are devices that could transport and release the therapeutic drugs or bioactive agents to a certain site and a certain rate in vivo. They could significantly increase the therapeutic effect and reduce the side effect compared with traditional medicine. In the review, emerging recent applications of DDS in the treatment for oral infectious diseases have been summarized, including dental caries, periodontitis, peri-implantitis and oral candidiasis. Furthermore, oral stimuli-responsive DDS, also known as “smart” DDS, have been reported recently, which could react to oral environment and provide more accurate drug delivery or release. In this article, oral smart DDS have also been reviewed. The limits have been discussed, and the research potential demonstrates good prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in the Application of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings)

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