Synthesis and Applications of Antimicrobial Materials and Coatings

Dear Colleagues,

Pathogenic microbes continue to present a seemingly insurmountable challenge to society. Not only do they threaten the health and lives of individuals, but their resilience also places considerable strain on healthcare systems, agriculture, water treatment systems, industry and the global economy. Further emphasizing this threat, antibiotic resistance continues to emerge and spread across the globe, and it can be said that humanity is hurtling towards a post-antibiotic era. In response to this challenge, researchers from diverse fields have dedicated decades to the development of innovative technologies and strategies to outsmart and conquer microbial pathogens. Despite their efforts, the threat has not abated; on the contrary, it continues to intensify.

Fortunately, progress marches on as researchers from various disciplines come together to tackle the challenge at hand with greater intensity. Multidisciplinary collaborative efforts have yielded new technologies that leverage advancements in fields such as nanoengineering, polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology and pharmacology, among others. By adopting interdisciplinary approaches such as these, society stands the best chance of avoiding the impending danger of a post-antibiotic era.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to showcase a compelling collection of primary research and review articles concerned with the latest fabrication methods and applications of antimicrobial materials and coatings, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. The overarching objective is to emphasize the potential strategies that can only arise through the collaborative efforts of diverse research fields. By doing so, it aims to inspire more cross-disciplinary collaborations that will expedite the research and development of antimicrobial technologies. The far-reaching benefits of such endeavors extend to all aspects of society.

Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Synthesis of novel antimicrobial nanoparticles and other nanomaterials;
• Delivery systems for antimicrobial agents;
• Nanosystems for targeted delivery of antibacterial;
• Materials with antifouling properties designed for applications in packaging and industrial sectors;
• Smart and responsive materials and coatings that release antimicrobial compounds only in the presence of stimuli due to the presence of bacteria;
• Fundamental insight into mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance;
• Nanoparticles, materials and coatings that are effective against mature and established biofilms.

Prof. Dr. Krasimir Vasilev
Guest Editor

Dr. Andrew Hayles
Dr. Richard Bright
Guest Editor Assistants

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. Molecules 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 2700 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.

• antibacterial
• nanomaterials
• coatings
• infections
• drug delivery
• antifouling
• nanoparticles
• nanostructures
• bacteria