Submit to Nanomaterials Review for Nanomaterials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 August 2020) | Viewed by 59653

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials book cover image

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Ana María Díez-Pascual

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidad de Alcalá, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona Km. 33.6, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
Interests: nanomaterials; polymers; nanocomposites; inorganic nanoparticles; antibacterial agents; surfactants; interphases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bacterial infections are a well-known and serious problem in numerous areas of everyday life, causing death and pain and huge added costs to healthcare worldwide. They also cause major issues in many other industries, such as textiles, water treatment, marine transport, medicine and food packaging. Despite the strong efforts by academic researchers and industry, a universal solution for controlling bacterial adhesion and proliferation has not yet been found. Over the last years, many novel antibacterial nanomaterials have been developed, and some of them are already applied in hospitals and public buildings. This Special Issue aims to bring together the latest advances in the field of antibacterial nanomaterials and their applications in various fields. Selected contributions on recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of nanomaterials with antibacterial activity are welcomed.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

Antimicrobial nanoparticles
Antibacterial nanocoatings and nanocomposites
Antimicrobial mechanisms
Antimicrobial food packaging
Adverse effects of nanomaterials
Future perspectives for antimicrobial nanomaterials
Role of antimicrobial nanomaterials in medicine

Prof. Dr. Ana María Díez-Pascual
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). 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

antibacterial activity
nanocomposites
bacterial infection
nanotoxicology
antibiotic resistance

Published Papers (12 papers)

Download All Papers

Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

5 pages, 203 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials

by Ana Maria Díez-Pascual

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(11), 2315; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10112315 - 23 Nov 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2417

Abstract

Bacterial infections are a well-known and serious problem in numerous areas of everyday life, causing death, pain, and huge added costs to healthcare worldwide [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

12 pages, 4705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metal Nanoparticles for Improving Bactericide Functionality of Usual Fibers

by George Frolov, Ilya Lyagin, Olga Senko, Nikolay Stepanov, Ivan Pogorelsky and Elena Efremenko

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(9), 1724; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10091724 - 31 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2666

Abstract

A wide variety of microbiological hazards stimulates a constant development of new protective materials against them. For that, the application of some nanomaterials seems to be very promising. Modification of usual fibers with different metal nanoparticles was successfully illustrated in the work. Tantal nanoparticles have shown the highest antibacterial potency within fibrous materials against both gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. Besides, the effect of tantal nanoparticles towards luminescent Photobacterium phosphoreum cells estimating the general sample ecotoxicity was issued for the first time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 3548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cu Nanoparticle-Loaded Nanovesicles with Antibiofilm Properties. Part I: Synthesis of New Hybrid Nanostructures

by Lucia Sarcina, Pablo García-Manrique, Gemma Gutiérrez, Nicoletta Ditaranto, Nicola Cioffi, Maria Matos and Maria del Carmen Blanco-López

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(8), 1542; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10081542 - 06 Aug 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2783

Abstract

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) stabilized by quaternary ammonium salts are well known as antimicrobial agents. The aim of this work was to study the feasibility of the inclusion of CuNPs in nanovesicular systems. Liposomes are nanovesicles (NVs) made with phospholipids and are traditionally used as delivery vehicles because phospholipids favor cellular uptake. Their capacity for hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and carrier capacity could be advantageous to prepare novel hybrid nanostructures based on metal NPs (Me-NPs). In this work, NVs were loaded with CuNPs, which have been reported to have a biofilm inhibition effect. These hybrid materials could improve the effect of conventional antibacterial agents. CuNPs were electro-synthesized by the sacrificial anode electrolysis technique in organic media and characterized in terms of morphology through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The NVs were prepared by the thin film hydration method in aqueous media, using phosphatidylcholine (PC) and cholesterol as a membrane stabilizer. The nanohybrid systems were purified to remove non-encapsulated NPs. The size distribution, morphology and stability of the NV systems were studied. Different quaternary ammonium salts in vesicular systems made of PC were tested as stabilizing surfactants for the synthesis and inclusion of CuNPs. The entrapment of charged metal NPs was demonstrated. NPs attached preferably to the membrane, probably due to the attraction of their hydrophobic shell to the phospholipid bilayers. The high affinity between benzyl-dimethyl-hexadecyl-ammonium chloride (BDHAC) and PC allowed us to obtain stable hybrid NVs c.a. 700 nm in diameter. The stability of liposomes increased with NP loading, suggesting a charge-stabilization effect in a novel antibiofilm nanohybrid material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 6813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Polysaccharides’ Molecular Structure on the Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxicity of Green Synthesized Composites Based on Silver Nanoparticles and Carboxymethyl-Cellulose

by María de los Ángeles Martínez-Rodríguez, Elizabeth Madla-Cruz, Victor H. Urrutia-Baca, Myriam A. de la Garza-Ramos, Virgilio A. González-González and Marco A. Garza-Navarro

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(6), 1164; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10061164 - 14 Jun 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4057

Abstract

In this paper we report on the influence of polysaccharides’ molecular structure on the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of composites based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) immobilized into carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC). These composites were green synthesized from the reduction of silver ions into aqueous solutions of the polysaccharide, using CMC with different degree of substitution (DS) and molecular weight (Mw). The composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as infrared (ATR-FTIR), ultraviolet (UV-Vis), Raman, and X-ray photo-electron (XPS) spectroscopic techniques. The antibacterial activity was evaluated with minimum inhibitory concentration against Enterococcus faecalis. The cytotoxicity of composites was assessed against human gingival fibroblast. Experimental evidence suggests that particle size distribution and morphology of AgNPs change according to the quantity of silver precursor added to the reaction, as well as the DS and Mw of CMC used for composites preparation. This is related to the dispersion of silver precursor into aqueous solutions of the polysaccharide and the formation of Ag-O coordination bonds among AgNPs and COO⁻ moieties of CMC. Moreover, these coordination bonds modify the ability of nanoparticles to produce and release Ag⁺ into aqueous dispersion, adjusting their antibacterial activity and the induction of cytotoxicity into the tested biological environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 2977 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ZnO Nanostructures with Antibacterial Properties Prepared by a Green Electrochemical-Thermal Approach

by Maria Chiara Sportelli, Rosaria Anna Picca, Margherita Izzi, Gerardo Palazzo, Roberto Gristina, Massimo Innocenti, Luisa Torsi and Nicola Cioffi

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(3), 473; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10030473 - 05 Mar 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3392

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are widely applied materials, and are also capable of antimicrobial action. They can be obtained by several methods, which include physical and chemical approaches. Considering the recent rise of green and low-cost synthetic routes for nanomaterial development, electrochemical techniques represent a valid alternative to biogenic synthesis. Following a hybrid electrochemical-thermal method modified by our group, here we report on the aqueous electrosynthesis of ZnO nanomaterials based on the use of alternative stabilizers. We tested both benzyl-hexadecyl-dimetylammonium chloride (BAC) and poly-diallyl-(dimethylammonium) chloride (PDDA). Transmission electron microscopy images showed the formation of rod-like and flower-like structures with a variable aspect-ratio. The combination of UV–Vis, FTIR and XPS spectroscopies allowed for the univocal assessment of the material composition as a function of different thermal treatments. In fact, the latter guaranteed the complete conversion of the as-prepared colloidal materials into stoichiometric ZnO species without excessive morphological modification. The antimicrobial efficacy of both materials was tested against Bacillus subtilis as a Gram-positive model microorganism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 1622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Antifungal Activities of Eugenol-Entrapped Casein Nanoparticles against Anthracnose in Postharvest Fruits

by Yang Xue, Shitong Zhou, Chenyue Fan, Qizhen Du and Peng Jin

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(12), 1777; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano9121777 - 13 Dec 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2910

Abstract

This study aims to improve the antifungal effects of eugenol through low-energy self-assembly fabrication and optimization of eugenol-casein nanoparticles (EC-NPs). Optimized EC-NPs (eugenol/casein ratio of 1:5) were obtained with a mean size of 307.4 ± 2.5 nm and entrapment efficiency of 86.3% ± 0.2%, and showed high stability under incubated at 20 and 37 °C for 48 h. EC-NPs exhibited satisfactory sustained-release effect at 20 °C or 37 °C, with remaining eugenols amounts of 79.51% and 53.41% after 72 h incubation, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of native eugenol (only 26.40% and 19.82% after the first 12 h). EC-NPs exhibited a greater antifungal activity (>95.7%) against spore germination of fungus that was greater than that of native eugenol, showed 100% inhibition of the anthracnose incidence in postharvest pear after 7 d. EC-NPs is potential as an environmental-friendly preservatives in the food industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 2406 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Layer by Layer Antimicrobial Coatings Based on Nafion, Lysozyme, and Chitosan

by Ella N. Gibbons, Charis Winder, Elliot Barron, Diogo Fernandes, Marta J. Krysmann, Antonios Kelarakis, Adam V. S. Parry and Stephen G. Yeates

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(11), 1563; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano9111563 - 04 Nov 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3530

Abstract

The study focuses on the development of a new family of layer-by-layer coatings comprising Nafion, lysozyme and chitosan to address challenges related to microbial contamination. Circular dichroism was employed to gain insights on the interactions of the building blocks at the molecular level. Quartz crystal microbalance tests were used to monitor in real time the build-up of multilayer coatings, while atomic force microscopy, contact angle and surface zeta potential measurements were performed to assess the surface characteristics of the multilayer assemblies. Remarkably, the nanocoated surfaces show almost 100% reduction in the population of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The study suggests that Nafion based synergistic platforms can offer an effective line of defence against bacteria, facilitating antimicrobial mechanisms that go beyond the concept of exclusion zone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 3333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Preparation Procedure on Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Titanate Nanotubes Modified with Silver

by Manu Jose, Paulina Sienkiewicz, Karolina Szymańska, Dominika Darowna, Dariusz Moszyński, Zofia Lendzion-Bieluń, Kacper Szymański and Sylwia Mozia

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(5), 795; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano9050795 - 23 May 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3929

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) are effective antibacterial agents; however, aggregation of NPs and uncontrolled release of Ag⁺ affect their efficiency and may pose a risk to the environment. To overcome these disadvantages, immobilization of Ag onto titanate nanotubes (TNTs) was investigated. This paper describes the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of silver incorporated titanate nanotubes (Ag/TNTs) prepared using five procedures and containing different Ag amounts (0.11–30.85 wt.%). The methods were (i) sol-gel followed by a hydrothermal process; (ii) photodeposition under ambient conditions; (iii) photodeposition under an inert atmosphere; (iv) NaBH₄ reduction; and (v) electroless deposition after activation of TNTs with Sn²⁺. Depending on the synthesis procedure, the presence of metallic Ag NPs, AgO or AgCl was observed. The electroless method led to an additional deposition of SnO₂ NPs. The antibacterial properties of Ag/TNTs were analyzed as a function of Ag content and released against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The best bactericidal properties exhibited Ag/TNTs prepared through the photodeposition process due to the higher interaction of exposed Ag NPs with bacteria. An increase of Ag loading resulted in improvement of antibacterial activity of Ag/TNTs although no direct correlation between silver content or release and inhibition of bacterial growth was found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 5008 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Boron Nitride Doped Polyhydroxyalkanoate/Chitosan Nanocomposite for Antibacterial and Biological Applications

by Abdul Mukheem, Syed Shahabuddin, Noor Akbar, Azizi Miskon, Norazilawati Muhamad Sarih, Kumar Sudesh, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Rahman Saidur and Nanthini Sridewi

Nanomaterials 2019, 9(4), 645; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano9040645 - 21 Apr 2019

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5660

Abstract

The present research focused on the fabrication of biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoate, chitosan, and hexagonal boron nitride incorporated (PHA/Ch-hBN) nanocomposites through a simple solvent casting technique. The fabricated nanocomposites were comprehensively characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FT-IR), field emission scanning electroscope (FESEM), and elemental mapping and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The antibacterial activity of nanocomposites were investigated through time-kill method against multi drug resistant (MDR) microbes such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) K1 strains. In addition, nanocomposites have examined for their host cytotoxicity abilities using a Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay against spontaneously immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cell lines. The results demonstrated highly significant antibacterial activity against MDR organisms and also significant cell viability as compared to the positive control. The fabricated PHA/Ch-hBN nanocomposite demonstrated effective antimicrobial and biocompatibility properties that would feasibly suit antibacterial and biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

29 pages, 2579 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanoparticle-Based Therapeutic Approach for Diabetic Wound Healing

by Hariharan Ezhilarasu, Dinesh Vishalli, S. Thameem Dheen, Boon-Huat Bay and Dinesh Kumar Srinivasan

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(6), 1234; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10061234 - 25 Jun 2020

Cited by 83 | Viewed by 10358

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disease characterized by a state of hyperglycemia (higher level of glucose in the blood than usual). DM and its complications can lead to diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). DFU is associated with impaired wound healing, due to inappropriate cellular and cytokines response, infection, poor vascularization, and neuropathy. Effective therapeutic strategies for the management of impaired wound could be attained through a better insight of molecular mechanism and pathophysiology of diabetic wound healing. Nanotherapeutics-based agents engineered within 1–100 nm levels, which include nanoparticles and nanoscaffolds, are recent promising treatment strategies for accelerating diabetic wound healing. Nanoparticles are smaller in size and have high surface area to volume ratio that increases the likelihood of biological interaction and penetration at wound site. They are ideal for topical delivery of drugs in a sustained manner, eliciting cell-to-cell interactions, cell proliferation, vascularization, cell signaling, and elaboration of biomolecules necessary for effective wound healing. Furthermore, nanoparticles have the ability to deliver one or more therapeutic drug molecules, such as growth factors, nucleic acids, antibiotics, and antioxidants, which can be released in a sustained manner within the target tissue. This review focuses on recent approaches in the development of nanoparticle-based therapeutics for enhancing diabetic wound healing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

56 pages, 21197 KiB

Open AccessReview

Visible-Light Active Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials with Bactericidal Properties

by Chengzhu Liao, Yuchao Li and Sie Chin Tjong

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(1), 124; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10010124 - 09 Jan 2020

Cited by 127 | Viewed by 13075

Abstract

This article provides an overview of current research into the development, synthesis, photocatalytic bacterial activity, biocompatibility and cytotoxic properties of various visible-light active titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) and their nanocomposites. To achieve antibacterial inactivation under visible light, TiO₂ NPs are doped with metal and non-metal elements, modified with carbonaceous nanomaterials, and coupled with other metal oxide semiconductors. Transition metals introduce a localized d-electron state just below the conduction band of TiO₂ NPs, thereby narrowing the bandgap and causing a red shift of the optical absorption edge into the visible region. Silver nanoparticles of doped TiO₂ NPs experience surface plasmon resonance under visible light excitation, leading to the injection of hot electrons into the conduction band of TiO₂ NPs to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for bacterial killing. The modification of TiO₂ NPs with carbon nanotubes and graphene sheets also achieve the efficient creation of ROS under visible light irradiation. Furthermore, titanium-based alloy implants in orthopedics with enhanced antibacterial activity and biocompatibility can be achieved by forming a surface layer of Ag-doped titania nanotubes. By incorporating TiO₂ NPs and Cu-doped TiO₂ NPs into chitosan or the textile matrix, the resulting polymer nanocomposites exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties that can have applications as fruit/food wrapping films, self-cleaning fabrics, medical scaffolds and wound dressings. Considering the possible use of visible-light active TiO₂ nanomaterials for various applications, their toxicity impact on the environment and public health is also addressed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Other

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Review

13 pages, 2683 KiB

Open AccessLetter

Deciphering the Roles of Interspace and Controlled Disorder in the Bactericidal Properties of Nanopatterns against Staphylococcus aureus

by Khashayar Modaresifar, Lorenzo B. Kunkels, Mahya Ganjian, Nazli Tümer, Cornelis W. Hagen, Linda G. Otten, Peter-Leon Hagedoorn, Livia Angeloni, Murali K. Ghatkesar, Lidy E. Fratila-Apachitei and Amir A. Zadpoor

Nanomaterials 2020, 10(2), 347; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10020347 - 18 Feb 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3862

Abstract

Recent progress in nano-/micro-fabrication techniques has paved the way for the emergence of synthetic bactericidal patterned surfaces that are capable of killing the bacteria via mechanical mechanisms. Different design parameters are known to affect the bactericidal activity of nanopatterns. Evaluating the effects of each parameter, isolated from the others, requires systematic studies. Here, we systematically assessed the effects of the interspacing and disordered arrangement of nanopillars on the bactericidal properties of nanopatterned surfaces. Electron beam induced deposition (EBID) was used to additively manufacture nanopatterns with precisely controlled dimensions (i.e., a height of 190 nm, a diameter of 80 nm, and interspaces of 100, 170, 300, and 500 nm) as well as disordered versions of them. The killing efficiency of the nanopatterns against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria increased by decreasing the interspace, achieving the highest efficiency of 62 ± 23% on the nanopatterns with 100 nm interspacing. By comparison, the disordered nanopatterns did not influence the killing efficiency significantly, as compared to their ordered correspondents. Direct penetration of nanopatterns into the bacterial cell wall was identified as the killing mechanism according to cross-sectional views, which is consistent with previous studies. The findings indicate that future studies aimed at optimizing the design of nanopatterns should focus on the interspacing as an important parameter affecting the bactericidal properties. In combination with controlled disorder, nanopatterns with contrary effects on bacterial and mammalian cells may be developed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Recent Progress in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (12 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI