Antimicrobial polymer nanostructures: Synthetic route, mechanism of action and perspective

• Published in: Advances in colloid and interface science 2014-01, Vol.203, p.37-50
• Main Authors: Song, Jooyoung, Jang, Jyongsik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesion; Antibacterial film; Antiinfectives and antibacterials; Applied sciences; Bacteria; Bactericidal agent; Biocides; Chemistry; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic - methods; Colloidal state and disperse state; Disinfectants - chemical synthesis; Disinfectants - chemistry; Disinfectants - pharmacology; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; General and physical chemistry; Miscellaneous; Nanobiotechnology; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Nanostructure; One-dimensional polymer; Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer nanoparticle; Polymerization; Polymers - chemical synthesis; Polymers - chemistry; Polymers - pharmacology; Technology of polymers; Thin films
• ISSN: 0001-8686; 1873-3727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2013.11.007

Protection against bacterial infections is an important research field in modern society. Antimicrobial polymers have received considerable attention as next-generation biocides because they represent an ecologically friendly approach that does not promote resistance. In the last decade, many authors have reported the development of nano-sized antimicrobial polymers with enhanced bactericidal performance by increasing the active-area of biocides. This review presents several suitable methods of synthesis of antimicrobial polymer nanomaterials with various shapes, including a nanosphere and fibrous and tubular structures. We also discuss the antimicrobial mechanisms of these polymers. In addition, antimicrobial polymer thin films, which can inhibit bacterial adhesion, are introduced briefly with examples. Our aim is to present synthetic routes and formation mechanisms of various antimicrobial polymer nanostructures. [Display omitted] •Review of synthetic methods of various polymeric nanostructures•Review of antibacterial mechanisms of the polymeric antibacterial agents•Excellent antimicrobial efficiency of the nano-sized polymeric biocides compared with bulk counterpart•Discussion on perspective of antimicrobial polymer nanostructures