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Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications

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 (20 September 2021) | Viewed by 54825

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Special Issue Editors

University of Ioannina, 451 10 Ioannina, Greece
Interests: materials science; engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of the journals IJMS and Molecules entitled “Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications" will cover a selection of recent research and review articles in the field of antimicrobial materials and their medical applications.

Infections diseases are a continuous threat to human health. New methods for the appropriate use of disinfectants and antibiotics have been developed to reduce the microbial activity, associated infections and the increase of Antimicrobial Resistance. Thus the healthcare sector is facing a totally new challenge. Potential and promising weapons against bacterial growth and the development of multi-drug resistant bacteria have been found in new Antimicrobial Materials.

The research on the design and development of new antimicrobial materials and their medical application (such as antimicrobial surfaces, medical devices, contact lens, package materials etc), bring together stakeholders from different disciplines. The reader of this special issue will gain an appreciation of the real role of antimicrobial materials and their medical applications.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Molecules.

Prof. Dr. Sotiris Hadjikakou
Dr. Christina N. Banti
Dr. Andreas K. Rossos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Antimicrobial drugs
  • Disinfectants materials
  • Medical applications
  • Medical devices
  • Package materials
  • Hygiene practices
  • Cleaning
  • Antimicrobial resistance

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 179 KiB  
Editorial
Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications
by Christina N. Banti and Sotiris K. Hadjikakou
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(3), 1890; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms23031890 - 08 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1960
Abstract
This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, entitled “Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications”, covers a selection of recent research and review articles in the field of antimicrobial materials, as well as their medical applications [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

14 pages, 6520 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Face Shield: Next Generation of Facial Protective Equipment against SARS-CoV-2 and Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
by Alberto Tuñón-Molina, Miguel Martí, Yukiko Muramoto, Takeshi Noda, Kazuo Takayama and Ángel Serrano-Aroca
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(17), 9518; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22179518 - 01 Sep 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3508
Abstract
Transparent materials used for facial protection equipment provide protection against microbial infections caused by viruses and bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. However, transparent materials used for this type of application are made of materials that do not possess antimicrobial activity. They just avoid direct [...] Read more.
Transparent materials used for facial protection equipment provide protection against microbial infections caused by viruses and bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains. However, transparent materials used for this type of application are made of materials that do not possess antimicrobial activity. They just avoid direct contact between the person and the biological agent. Therefore, healthy people can become infected through contact of the contaminated material surfaces and this equipment constitute an increasing source of infectious biological waste. Furthermore, infected people can transmit microbial infections easily because the protective equipment do not inactivate the microbial load generated while breathing, sneezing or coughing. In this regard, the goal of this work consisted of fabricating a transparent face shield with intrinsic antimicrobial activity that could provide extra-protection against infectious agents and reduce the generation of infectious waste. Thus, a single-use transparent antimicrobial face shield composed of polyethylene terephthalate and an antimicrobial coating of benzalkonium chloride has been developed for the next generation of facial protective equipment. The antimicrobial coating was analyzed by atomic force microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy with elemental analysis. This is the first facial transparent protective material capable of inactivating enveloped viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in less than one minute of contact, and the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Bacterial infections contribute to severe pneumonia associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their resistance to antibiotics is increasing. Our extra protective broad-spectrum antimicrobial composite material could also be applied for the fabrication of other facial protective tools such as such as goggles, helmets, plastic masks and space separation screens used for counters or vehicles. This low-cost technology would be very useful to combat the current pandemic and protect health care workers from multidrug-resistant infections in developed and underdeveloped countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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15 pages, 2468 KiB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticles from Oregano Leaves’ Extracts as Antimicrobial Components for Non-Infected Hydrogel Contact Lenses
by Anastasia Meretoudi, Christina N. Banti, Panagiotis K. Raptis, Christina Papachristodoulou, Nikolaos Kourkoumelis, Aris A. Ikiades, Panagiotis Zoumpoulakis, Thomas Mavromoustakos and Sotiris K. Hadjikakou
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(7), 3539; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22073539 - 29 Mar 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3045
Abstract
The oregano leaves’ extract (ORLE) was used for the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs(ORLE)). ORLE and AgNPs(ORLE) (2 mg/mL) were dispersed in polymer hydrogels to give the pHEMA@ORLE_2 and pHEMA@AgNPs(ORLE)_2 using hydroxyethyl–methacrylate (HEMA). The materials were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, X-ray [...] Read more.
The oregano leaves’ extract (ORLE) was used for the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs(ORLE)). ORLE and AgNPs(ORLE) (2 mg/mL) were dispersed in polymer hydrogels to give the pHEMA@ORLE_2 and pHEMA@AgNPs(ORLE)_2 using hydroxyethyl–methacrylate (HEMA). The materials were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRPD), thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), derivative thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry (DTG/DSC), ultraviolet (UV-Vis), and attenuated total reflection mode (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopies in solid state and UV–Vis in solution. The crystallite size value, analyzed with XRPD, was determined at 20 nm. The antimicrobial activity of the materials was investigated against Gram-negative bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The Gram-positive ones of the genus of Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are known to be involved in microbial keratitis by the means of inhibitory zone (IZ), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The IZs, which developed upon incubation of P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus with paper discs soaked in 2 mg/mL of AgNPs(ORLE), were 11.7 ± 0.7, 13.5 ± 1.9, 12.7 ± 1.7, and 14.3 ± 1.7 mm. When the same dose of ORLE was administrated, the IZs were 10.2 ± 0.7, 9.2 ± 0.5, 9.0 ± 0.0, and 9.0 ± 0.0 mm. The percent of bacterial viability when they were incubated over the polymeric hydrogel discs of pHEMA@AgNPs(ORLE)_2 was interestingly low (66.5, 88.3, 77.7, and 59.6%, respectively, against of P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus) and those of pHEMA@ORLE_2 were 89.3, 88.1, 92.8, and 84.6%, respectively. Consequently, pHEMA@AgNPs(ORLE)_2 could be an efficient candidate toward the development of non-infectious contact lenses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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14 pages, 3844 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Nanoparticle Metallic Core Antibacterial Activity: Gold and Silver Nanoparticles against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
by Jimmy Gouyau, Raphaël E. Duval, Ariane Boudier and Emmanuel Lamouroux
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(4), 1905; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22041905 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 4170
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria constitute a global health issue. Over the past ten years, interest in nanoparticles, particularly metallic ones, has grown as potential antibacterial candidates. However, as there is no consensus about the procedure to characterize the metallic nanoparticles (MNPs; i.e., metallic aggregates) [...] Read more.
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria constitute a global health issue. Over the past ten years, interest in nanoparticles, particularly metallic ones, has grown as potential antibacterial candidates. However, as there is no consensus about the procedure to characterize the metallic nanoparticles (MNPs; i.e., metallic aggregates) and evaluate their antibacterial activity, it is impossible to conclude about their real effectiveness as a new antibacterial agent. To give part of the answer to this question, 12 nm gold and silver nanoparticles have been prepared by a chemical approach. After their characterization by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and UltraViolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, their surface accessibility was tested through the catalytic reduction of the 4-nitrophenol, and their stability in bacterial culture medium was studied. Finally, the antibacterial activities of 12 nm gold and silver nanoparticles facing Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli have been evaluated using the broth microdilution method. The results show that gold nanoparticles have a weak antibacterial activity (i.e., slight inhibition of bacterial growth) against the two bacteria tested. In contrast, silver nanoparticles have no activity on S. aureus but demonstrate a high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 128 µmol/L. This high antibacterial activity is also maintained against two MDR-E. coli strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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17 pages, 7357 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Chromium Oxide Nanoparticles for Antibacterial, Antioxidant Anticancer, and Biocompatibility Activities
by Shakeel Ahmad Khan, Sammia Shahid, Sadaf Hanif, Hesham S. Almoallim, Sulaiman Ali Alharbi and Hanen Sellami
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(2), 502; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22020502 - 06 Jan 2021
Cited by 71 | Viewed by 7402
Abstract
This study deals with the green synthesis of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) nanoparticles using a leaf extract of Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet as a reducing and capping agent. Different characterization techniques were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles such as [...] Read more.
This study deals with the green synthesis of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) nanoparticles using a leaf extract of Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet as a reducing and capping agent. Different characterization techniques were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction technique confirmed the purity and crystallinity of the Cr2O3 nanoparticles. The average size of the nanoparticles ranged from 17 to 42 nm. The antibacterial activity of the green synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated against four different bacterial strains, E. coli, S. aureus, B. bronchiseptica, and B. subtilis using agar well diffusion and a live/dead staining assay. The anticancer activities were determined against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cancer cells using MTT and a live/dead staining assay. Antioxidant activity was investigated in the linoleic acid system. Moreover, the cytobiocompatibility was analyzed against the Vero cell lines using MTT and a live/dead staining assay. The results demonstrated that the green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles exhibited superior antibacterial activity in terms of zones of inhibition (ZOIs) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria compared to plant extracts and chemically synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles (commercial), but comparable to the standard drug (Leflox). The green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles exhibited significant anticancer and antioxidant activities against MCF-7 cancerous cells and the linoleic acid system, respectively, compared to chemically synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles. Moreover, cytobiocompatibility analysis displayed that they presented excellent biocompatibility with Vero cell lines than that of chemically synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles. These results suggest that the green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles’ enhanced biological activities might be attributed to a synergetic effect. Hence, green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles could prove to be promising candidates for future biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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13 pages, 3443 KiB  
Article
Rational Design of Ag/ZnO Hybrid Nanoparticles on Sericin/Agarose Composite Film for Enhanced Antimicrobial Applications
by Wanting Li, Zixuan Huang, Rui Cai, Wan Yang, Huawei He and Yejing Wang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(1), 105; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22010105 - 24 Dec 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2707
Abstract
Silver-based hybrid nanomaterials are receiving increasing attention as potential alternatives for traditional antimicrobial agents. Here, we proposed a simple and eco-friendly strategy to efficiently assemble zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on sericin-agarose composite film to impart superior antimicrobial activity. Based [...] Read more.
Silver-based hybrid nanomaterials are receiving increasing attention as potential alternatives for traditional antimicrobial agents. Here, we proposed a simple and eco-friendly strategy to efficiently assemble zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on sericin-agarose composite film to impart superior antimicrobial activity. Based on a layer-by-layer self-assembly strategy, AgNPs and ZnO were immobilized on sericin-agarose films using the adhesion property of polydopamine. Scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction spectroscopy were used to show the morphology of AgNPs and ZnO on the surface of the composite film and analyze the composition and structure of AgNPs and ZnO, respectively. Water contact angle, swelling ratio, and mechanical property were determined to characterize the hydrophilicity, water absorption ability, and mechanical properties of the composite films. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the composite film was evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that the composite film not only has desirable hydrophilicity, high water absorption ability, and favorable mechanical properties but also exhibits excellent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It has shown great potential as a novel antimicrobial biomaterial for wound dressing, artificial skin, and tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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16 pages, 3092 KiB  
Article
Valorization of Gleditsia triacanthos Invasive Plant Cellulose Microfibers and Phenolic Compounds for Obtaining Multi-Functional Wound Dressings with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties
by Ioana Cristina Marinas, Eliza Oprea, Elisabeta-Irina Geana, Oana Tutunaru, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Irina Zgura and Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(1), 33; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22010033 - 22 Dec 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2577
Abstract
Gleditsia triacanthos is an aggressive invasive species in Eastern Europe, producing a significant number of pods that could represent an inexhaustible resource of raw material for various applications. The aim of this study was to extract cellulose from the Gleditsia triacanthos pods, characterize [...] Read more.
Gleditsia triacanthos is an aggressive invasive species in Eastern Europe, producing a significant number of pods that could represent an inexhaustible resource of raw material for various applications. The aim of this study was to extract cellulose from the Gleditsia triacanthos pods, characterize it by spectrophotometric and UHPLC–DAD-ESI/MS analysis, and use it to fabricate a wound dressing that is multi-functionalized with phenolic compounds extracted from the leaves of the same species. The obtained cellulose microfibers (CM) were functionalized, lyophilized, and characterized by ATR-FTIR and SEM. The water absorption and retention capacity as well as the controlled release of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties evaluated in temporal dynamics were also determined. The antimicrobial activity against reference and clinical multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter cloacae, Candida albicans, and Candida parapsilosis strains occurred immediately after the contact with the tested materials and was maintained for 24 h for all tested microbial strains. In conclusion, the multi-functionalized cellulose microfibers (MFCM) obtained from the reproductive organs of an invasive species can represent a promising alternative for the development of functional wound dressings with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, as well as being a scalable example for designing cost-effective, circular bio-economy approaches to combat the accelerated spread of invasive species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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18 pages, 3072 KiB  
Article
Oxo-Titanium(IV) Complex/Polymer Composites—Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity Test
by Piotr Piszczek, Barbara Kubiak, Patrycja Golińska and Aleksandra Radtke
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(24), 9663; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms21249663 - 18 Dec 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2099
Abstract
The emergence of a large number of bacterial strains resistant to many drugs or disinfectants currently used contributed to the search of new, more effective antimicrobial agents. In the presented paper, we assessed the microbiocidal activity of tri- and tetranuclear oxo-titanium(IV) complexes (TOCs), [...] Read more.
The emergence of a large number of bacterial strains resistant to many drugs or disinfectants currently used contributed to the search of new, more effective antimicrobial agents. In the presented paper, we assessed the microbiocidal activity of tri- and tetranuclear oxo-titanium(IV) complexes (TOCs), which were dispersed in the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The TOCs were synthesized in reaction to Ti(OR)4 (R = iPr, iBu) and HO2CR’ (R’ = 4-PhNH2 and 4-PhOH) in a 4:1 molar ratio at room temperature and in Ar atmosphere. The structure of isolated oxo-complexes was confirmed by IR and Raman spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of the produced composites (PMMA + TOCs) was estimated against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and S. aureus ATCC 25923) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and E. coli ATCC 25922) bacteria and yeasts of Candida albicans ATCC 10231. All produced composites showed biocidal activity against the bacteria. Composites containing {Ti4O2} cores and the {Ti3O} core stabilized by the 4-hydroxybenzoic ligand showed also high activity against yeasts. The results of investigations carried out suggest that produced (PMMA + TOCs) composites, due to their microbiocidal activity, could find an application in the elimination of microbial contaminations in various fields of our lives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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17 pages, 3137 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Evaluation of Gentamicin or Vancomycin Containing Bone Graft Substitute in the Prevention of Orthopedic Implant-Related Infections
by Alessandro Bidossi, Marta Bottagisio, Nicola Logoluso and Elena De Vecchi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(23), 9250; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms21239250 - 04 Dec 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2172
Abstract
Antibiotic-loaded bone graft substitutes are attractive clinical options and have been used for years either for prophylaxis or therapy for periprosthetic and fracture-related infections. Calcium sulfate and hydroxyapatite can be combined in an injectable and moldable bone graft substitute that provides dead space [...] Read more.
Antibiotic-loaded bone graft substitutes are attractive clinical options and have been used for years either for prophylaxis or therapy for periprosthetic and fracture-related infections. Calcium sulfate and hydroxyapatite can be combined in an injectable and moldable bone graft substitute that provides dead space management with local release of high concentrations of antibiotics in a one-stage approach. With the aim to test preventive strategies against bone infections, a commercial hydroxyapatite/calcium sulfate bone graft substitute containing either gentamicin or vancomycin was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, harboring different resistance determinants. The prevention of bacterial colonization and biofilm development by selected microorganisms was investigated along with the capability of the eluted antibiotics to select for antibiotic resistance. The addition of antibiotics drastically affected the ability of the selected strains to adhere to the tested compound. Furthermore, both the antibiotics eluted by the bone graft substitutes were able to negatively impair the biofilm maturation of all the staphylococcal strains. As expected, P. aeruginosa was significantly affected only by the gentamicin containing bone graft substitutes. Finally, the prolonged exposure to antibiotic-containing sulfate/hydroxyapatite discs did not lead to any stable or transient adaptations in either of the tested bacterial strains. No signs of the development of antibiotic resistance were found, which confirms the safety of this strategy for the prevention of infection in orthopedic surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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12 pages, 1677 KiB  
Article
Efficient Photodynamic Killing of Gram-Positive Bacteria by Synthetic Curcuminoids
by Sung-Jen Hung, Yi-An Hong, Kai-Yu Lin, Yi-Wen Hua, Chia-Jou Kuo, Anren Hu, Tzenge-Lien Shih and Hao-Ping Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(23), 9024; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms21239024 - 27 Nov 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1952
Abstract
In our previous study, we have demonstrated that curcumin can efficiently kill the anaerobic bacterium Propionibacterium acnes by irradiation with low-dose blue light. The curcuminoids present in natural plant turmeric mainly include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. However, only curcumin is commercially available. Eighteen [...] Read more.
In our previous study, we have demonstrated that curcumin can efficiently kill the anaerobic bacterium Propionibacterium acnes by irradiation with low-dose blue light. The curcuminoids present in natural plant turmeric mainly include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. However, only curcumin is commercially available. Eighteen different curcumin analogs, including demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, were synthesized in this study. Their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive aerobic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis was investigated using the photodynamic inactivation method. Among the three compounds in turmeric, curcumin activity is the weakest, and bisdemethoxycurcumin possesses the strongest activity. However, two synthetic compounds, (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione and (1E,6E)-1,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione, possess the best antibacterial activity among all compounds examined in this study. Their chemical stability is also better than that of bisdemethoxycurcumin, and thus has potential for future clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

48 pages, 3457 KiB  
Review
Bionanofactories for Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Toward Antimicrobial Applications
by Ashvi Sanjay Jain, Pranita Subhash Pawar, Aira Sarkar, Vijayabhaskarreddy Junnuthula and Sathish Dyawanapelly
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(21), 11993; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms222111993 - 05 Nov 2021
Cited by 66 | Viewed by 8411
Abstract
Among the various types of nanoparticles and their strategy for synthesis, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles has gained much attention in the biomedical, cellular imaging, cosmetics, drug delivery, food, and agrochemical industries due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties. The green [...] Read more.
Among the various types of nanoparticles and their strategy for synthesis, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles has gained much attention in the biomedical, cellular imaging, cosmetics, drug delivery, food, and agrochemical industries due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties. The green synthesis strategies incorporate the use of plant extracts, living organisms, or biomolecules as bioreducing and biocapping agents, also known as bionanofactories for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The use of green chemistry is ecofriendly, biocompatible, nontoxic, and cost-effective. We shed light on the recent advances in green synthesis and physicochemical properties of green silver nanoparticles by considering the outcomes from recent studies applying SEM, TEM, AFM, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, FTIR, and XRD techniques. Furthermore, we cover the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities of silver nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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17 pages, 538 KiB  
Review
Effect of Cavity Disinfectants on Adhesion to Primary Teeth—A Systematic Review
by Ana Coelho, Inês Amaro, Ana Apolónio, Anabela Paula, José Saraiva, Manuel Marques Ferreira, Carlos Miguel Marto and Eunice Carrilho
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(9), 4398; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22094398 - 22 Apr 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2845
Abstract
Some authors have been proposing the use of cavity disinfectants in order to reduce, or even eliminate, the effect of the microorganisms present in a dental cavity before a restoration is placed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of [...] Read more.
Some authors have been proposing the use of cavity disinfectants in order to reduce, or even eliminate, the effect of the microorganisms present in a dental cavity before a restoration is placed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different cavity disinfectants on bond strength and clinical success of composite and glass ionomer restorations on primary teeth. The research was conducted using Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science for articles published up to February 2021. The search was performed according to the PICO strategy. The evaluation of the methodological quality of each in vitro study was assessed using the CONSORT checklist for reporting in vitro studies on dental materials. Sixteen in vitro studies and one in situ study fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Chlorhexidine was the most studied cavity disinfectant, and its use does not compromise dentin bonding. Sodium hypochlorite is a promising alternative, but more research on its use is required to clearly state that it can safely be used as a cavity disinfectant for primary teeth. Although other disinfectants were studied, there is a low-level evidence attesting their effects on adhesion, therefore their use should be avoided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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39 pages, 1677 KiB  
Review
Antibacterial Titanium Implants Biofunctionalized by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation with Silver, Zinc, and Copper: A Systematic Review
by Ingmar A. J. van Hengel, Melissa W. A. M. Tierolf, Lidy E. Fratila-Apachitei, Iulian Apachitei and Amir A. Zadpoor
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(7), 3800; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22073800 - 06 Apr 2021
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 4540
Abstract
Patients receiving orthopedic implants are at risk of implant-associated infections (IAI). A growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria threaten to hamper the treatment of IAI. The focus has, therefore, shifted towards the development of implants with intrinsic antibacterial activity to prevent the occurrence of [...] Read more.
Patients receiving orthopedic implants are at risk of implant-associated infections (IAI). A growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria threaten to hamper the treatment of IAI. The focus has, therefore, shifted towards the development of implants with intrinsic antibacterial activity to prevent the occurrence of infection. The use of Ag, Cu, and Zn has gained momentum as these elements display strong antibacterial behavior and target a wide spectrum of bacteria. In order to incorporate these elements into the surface of titanium-based bone implants, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) has been widely investigated as a single-step process that can biofunctionalize these (highly porous) implant surfaces. Here, we present a systematic review of the studies published between 2009 until 2020 on the biomaterial properties, antibacterial behavior, and biocompatibility of titanium implants biofunctionalized by PEO using Ag, Cu, and Zn. We observed that 100% of surfaces bearing Ag (Ag-surfaces), 93% of surfaces bearing Cu (Cu-surfaces), 73% of surfaces bearing Zn (Zn-surfaces), and 100% of surfaces combining Ag, Cu, and Zn resulted in a significant (i.e., >50%) reduction of bacterial load, while 13% of Ag-surfaces, 10% of Cu-surfaces, and none of Zn or combined Ag, Cu, and Zn surfaces reported cytotoxicity against osteoblasts, stem cells, and immune cells. A majority of the studies investigated the antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Important areas for future research include the biofunctionalization of additively manufactured porous implants and surfaces combining Ag, Cu, and Zn. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of such implants should be determined in assays focused on prevention, rather than the treatment of IAIs. These implants should be tested using appropriate in vivo bone infection models capable of assessing whether titanium implants biofunctionalized by PEO with Ag, Cu, and Zn can contribute to protect patients against IAI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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27 pages, 1134 KiB  
Review
Effect of Cavity Disinfectants on Dentin Bond Strength and Clinical Success of Composite Restorations—A Systematic Review of In Vitro, In Situ and Clinical Studies
by Ana Coelho, Inês Amaro, Beatriz Rascão, Inês Marcelino, Anabela Paula, José Saraiva, Gianrico Spagnuolo, Manuel Marques Ferreira, Carlos Miguel Marto and Eunice Carrilho
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(1), 353; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijms22010353 - 31 Dec 2020
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5542
Abstract
Cavity disinfection becomes an important step before a dental restorative procedure. The disinfection can be obtained cleaning the dental cavity with antimicrobial agents before the use of adhesive systems. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the effect [...] Read more.
Cavity disinfection becomes an important step before a dental restorative procedure. The disinfection can be obtained cleaning the dental cavity with antimicrobial agents before the use of adhesive systems. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the effect of different cavity disinfectants on restorations’ adhesion and clinical success. A search was carried out through the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science. In vitro and in situ studies reporting results on dentin bond strength tests, and clinical studies published until August 2020, in English, Spanish and Portuguese were included. The methodological quality assessment of the clinical studies was carried out using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Chlorhexidine could preserve adhesion to dentin. EDTA and ethanol had positive results that should be further confirmed. Given the significant lack of scientific evidence, the use of lasers, fluoridated agents, sodium hypochlorite, or other products as cavity disinfectants should be avoided. Chlorhexidine is a safe option for cavity disinfection with adequate preservation of adhesion to dentin. Moreover, future researches should be focused on the efficacy of these disinfectants against cariogenic bacteria and their best application methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials with Medical Applications)
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