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The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials

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 (15 April 2024) | Viewed by 9839

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Republic of Korea
Interests: Biomaterial Applications; Biomolecule Identification; Biomass Conversion; Enzyme Technology; Applied Microbiology; Biofuel Production; Response Surface Methodology; Bioprocess Engineering; Purification; Fermentation; Process Design and Simulation
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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chosun University, Gwangju 501-759, Republic of Korea
Interests: microbiology; antibiotics; antimicrobial resistance; antioxidants

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Starting with penicillin, mankind has advanced medicine to the next level by pioneering the field of antibiotics. As a result, this field finally gained the upper hand in the battle against bacteria and has saved countless patients from infectious diseases. However, the overuse of antibiotics in recent decades has resulted in the emergence of drug-resistant microbial strains. It has become one of the most pressing public health problems in the world. Antimicrobial resistance has the potential to affect people at all stages of life, as well as in the agricultural, food, medical and veterinary industries. It is necessary to develop biomaterials with antimicrobial properties to inhibit microbial growth without using antibiotics and to ensure product quality and safety. In addition, fundamental research is required to more quickly and accurately detect pathogens that threaten health and safety, and the development of compact and economical measuring equipment for use in various fields is needed.

This Special Issue on “The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials” includes different aspects of synthesis, modification, and physicochemical characterization of antimicrobial agents for the fabrication of antimicrobial biomaterials. The potential topics include (but are not limited to) the following research areas:

  • Natural-based biomaterials with antimicrobial properties (e.g., chitin, polylysine, polythioesters, pullulan, etc.).
  • Organic or carbon nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties (e.g., carbon nanotubes, chitosan, β-cyclodextrin, graphene, nanodiamonds, polyaniline, polypyrrole, etc.).
  • Economical production of antimicrobial agents (g., microbial fermentation, extraction from biomass).
  • Active biopolymer development and mass production process (statistical optimization).
  • Antimicrobial films (bioelastomers) for food packaging applications.
  • Screening technologies for antimicrobial candidates.
  • Selective pathogen-sensing technology.

Dr. Hah Young Yoo
Prof. Dr. Jin Cheol Yoo
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

  • biomaterials
  • biopolymers production
  • antimicrobial agents
  • antimicrobial activity
  • natural antibiotics
  • antioxidants
  • bioelastomers
  • food packaging

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4671 KiB  
Article
Use of Aloe Vera Gel as Media to Assess Antimicrobial Activity and Development of Antimicrobial Nanocomposites
by Erwan Rauwel, Geeta Arya, Kristi Praakle and Protima Rauwel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(11), 5599; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25115599 - 21 May 2024
Viewed by 264
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a menace to public health on a global scale. In this regard, nanomaterials exhibiting antimicrobial properties represent a promising solution. Both metal and metal oxide nanomaterials are suitable candidates, even though their mechanisms of action vary. Multiple antimicrobial mechanisms can [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance is a menace to public health on a global scale. In this regard, nanomaterials exhibiting antimicrobial properties represent a promising solution. Both metal and metal oxide nanomaterials are suitable candidates, even though their mechanisms of action vary. Multiple antimicrobial mechanisms can occur simultaneously or independently; this includes either direct contact with the pathogens, nanomaterial uptake, oxidative stress, ion release, or any of their combinations. However, due to their specific properties and more particularly fast settling, existing methods to study the antimicrobial properties of nanoparticles have not been specifically adapted in some cases. The development of methodologies that can assess the antimicrobial properties of metallic nanomaterials accurately is necessary. A cost-effective methodology with a straightforward set-up that enables the easy and quick assessment of the antimicrobial properties of metal nanoparticles with high accuracy has been developed. The methodology is also capable of confirming whether the killing mechanism involves ionic diffusion. Finally, Aloe Vera gel showed good properties for use as a medium for the development of antimicrobial ointment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)
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21 pages, 12324 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Narrow-Size Silver Nanoparticles Using Ginkgo biloba Leaves: Condition Optimization, Characterization, and Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities
by Qi Ni, Ting Zhu, Wenjie Wang, Dongdong Guo, Yixiao Li, Tianyu Chen and Xiaojun Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(3), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031913 - 5 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1085
Abstract
Natural products derived from medicinal plants offer convenience and therapeutic potential and have inspired the development of antimicrobial agents. Thus, it is worth exploring the combination of nanotechnology and natural products. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the leaf extract [...] Read more.
Natural products derived from medicinal plants offer convenience and therapeutic potential and have inspired the development of antimicrobial agents. Thus, it is worth exploring the combination of nanotechnology and natural products. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized from the leaf extract of Ginkgo biloba (Gb), having abundant flavonoid compounds. The reaction conditions and the colloidal stability were assessed using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the AgNPs. AgNPs exhibited a spherical morphology, uniform dispersion, and diameter ranging from ~8 to 9 nm. The FTIR data indicated that phytoconstituents, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids, could potentially serve as reducing and capping agents. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs was assessed using broth dilution and agar well diffusion assays. The results demonstrate antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains at low AgNP concentrations. The cytotoxicity of AgNPs was examined in vitro using the CCK-8 method, which showed that low concentrations of AgNPs are noncytotoxic to normal cells and promote cell growth. In conclusion, an environmentally friendly approach for synthesizing AgNPs from Gb leaves yielded antibacterial AgNPs with minimal toxicity, holding promise for future applications in the field of biomedicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)
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15 pages, 4946 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effect, Improved Cell Selectivity, and Elucidating the Action Mechanism of Antimicrobial Peptide YS12
by Suzia Aktar Suchi, Dae Young Lee, Young Kyun Kim, Seong Soo Kang, Tahmina Bilkis and Jin Cheol Yoo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(17), 13522; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713522 - 31 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1031
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted considerable attention as potential substitutes for traditional antibiotics. In our previous research, a novel antimicrobial peptide YS12 derived from the Bacillus velezensis strain showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, the fractional inhibitory concentration [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted considerable attention as potential substitutes for traditional antibiotics. In our previous research, a novel antimicrobial peptide YS12 derived from the Bacillus velezensis strain showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) indicated that combining YS12 with commercial antibiotics produced a synergistic effect. Following these findings, the combination of YS12 with an antibiotic resulted in a faster killing effect against bacterial strains compared to the treatment with the peptide YS12 or antibiotic alone. The peptide YS12 maintained its antimicrobial activity under different physiological salts (Na+, Mg2+, and Fe3+). Most importantly, YS12 exhibited no cytotoxicity towards Raw 264.7 cells and showed low hemolytic activity, whereas positive control melittin indicated extremely high toxicity. In terms of mode of action, we found that peptide YS12 was able to bind with LPS through electrostatic interaction. The results from fluorescent measurement revealed that peptide YS12 damaged the integrity of the bacterial membrane. Confocal laser microscopy further confirmed that the localization of peptide YS12 was almost in the cytoplasm of the cells. Peptide YS12 also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the release of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and NO. Collectively, these properties strongly suggest that the antimicrobial peptide YS12 may be a promising candidate for treating microbial infections and inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)
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16 pages, 9562 KiB  
Article
Efficient Recovery Strategy of Luteolin from Agricultural Waste Peanut Shells and Activity Evaluation of Its Functional Biomolecules
by Seunghee Kim, Kang Hyun Lee, Jeongho Lee, Soo Kweon Lee, Youngsang Chun, Ja Hyun Lee and Hah Young Yoo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 12366; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512366 - 2 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1306
Abstract
Peanut shells (PSs) generated from agricultural waste contain valuable compounds with bioactive properties such as anti-aging, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it desirable to recycle them as a sustainable resource. The aim of this study is to design an effective luteolin recovery process [...] Read more.
Peanut shells (PSs) generated from agricultural waste contain valuable compounds with bioactive properties such as anti-aging, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it desirable to recycle them as a sustainable resource. The aim of this study is to design an effective luteolin recovery process as the first step of an integrated biorefinery utilizing PSs as raw material. The major extraction variables and their ranges for luteolin recovery from PSs were determined (0–60 °C, 1–5 h, 0–100% MeOH concentration) and a predictive model was derived through a response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the predictive model, the equation determined for the maximal extraction of luteolin at 1 h was as follows: y = –1.8475x + 159.57, and the significant range of variables was as follows: 33.8 °C ≤ temperature (x) ≤ 48.5 °C and 70.0% ≤ MeOH concentration (y) ≤ 97.5%, respectively. High antioxidant and elastase inhibitory activities of PS extracts were confirmed, and these results support their potential to be used as functional materials. In addition, 39.2% of the solid residue after extraction was carbohydrate, which has potential as a carbon source for fermentation. This study provides a useful direction on an integrated biorefinery approach for sustainable agricultural waste valorization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)
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10 pages, 2791 KiB  
Article
High Adherence of Oral Streptococcus to Polylactic Acid Might Explain Implant Infections Associated with PLA Mesh Implantation
by Sonia Sarfraz, Anni-Maria Tamminen, Junnu Leikola, Sonja Salmi, Mika Kaakinen, Timo Sorsa, Juho Suojanen and Justus Reunanen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9504; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119504 - 30 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1390
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the biofilm formation properties of common pathogens associated with implant-related infections on two different implant material types. Bacterial strains tested in this study were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the biofilm formation properties of common pathogens associated with implant-related infections on two different implant material types. Bacterial strains tested in this study were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. Implant materials tested and compared were PLA Resorb × polymer of Poly DL-lactide (PDLLA) comprising 50% poly-L-lactic acid and 50% poly-D-lactic acid) and Ti grade 2 (tooled with a Planmeca CAD-CAM milling device). Biofilm assays were done with and without saliva treatment to evaluate the effect of saliva on bacterial adhesion and to mimic the intraoral and extraoral surgical routes of implant placement, respectively. Five specimens of each implant type were tested for each bacterial strain. Autoclaved material specimens were first treated with 1:1 saliva-PBS solution for 30 min, followed by washing of specimens and the addition of bacterial suspension. Specimens with bacterial suspension were incubated for 24 h at 37 °C for biofilm formation. After 24 h, non-adhered bacteria were removed, and specimens were washed, followed by removal and calculation of adhered bacterial biofilm. S. aureus and E. faecalis showed more attachment to Ti grade 2, whereas S. mutans showed higher adherence to PLA in a statistically significant manner. The salivary coating of specimens enhanced the bacterial attachment by all the bacterial strains tested. In conclusion, both implant materials showed significant levels of bacterial adhesion, but saliva treatment played a vital role in bacterial attachment, therefore, saliva contamination of the implant materials should be minimized and considered when placing implant materials inside the body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)
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17 pages, 4312 KiB  
Article
Biochemical Characterization and Application of a Detergent Stable, Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Potential Protease from Bacillus siamensis
by Hasan Tarek, Kyung Bin Nam, Young Kyun Kim, Suzia Aktar Suchi and Jin Cheol Yoo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(6), 5774; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065774 - 17 Mar 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2585
Abstract
Proteases are important enzymes that are engaged in a variety of essential physiological functions and have a significant possible use in industrial applications. In this work, we reported the purification and biochemical characterization of a detergent stable, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm potential protease (SH21) [...] Read more.
Proteases are important enzymes that are engaged in a variety of essential physiological functions and have a significant possible use in industrial applications. In this work, we reported the purification and biochemical characterization of a detergent stable, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm potential protease (SH21) produced by Bacillus siamensis CSB55 isolated from Korean fermented vegetable kimchi. SH21 was purified to obtain homogeneity via ammonium sulfate precipitation (40–80%), Sepharose CL-6B, and Sephadex G-75 column. By analyzing the SDS-PAGE and zymogram, it was determined that the molecular weight was around 25 kDa. The enzyme activity was almost completely inhibited in the presence of PMSF and DFP, which indicated that it was a member of the serine protease family. SH21 showed excellent activity with a broad range of pH and temperature, with its maximum pH of 9.0 and temperature of 55 °C. The enzyme had estimated Km and Vmax values of 0.197 mg/mL and 1.22 × 103 U/mg, respectively. In addition, it preserved good activity in the presence of different organic solvents, surfactants, and other reagents. This enzyme showed good antimicrobial activity that was evaluated by MIC against several pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, it exhibited strong antibiofilm activity as determined by MBIC and MBEC assay and degraded the biofilms, which were analyzed by confocal microscopic study. These properties established that SH21 is a potent alkaline protease that can be used in industrial and therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)
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35 pages, 1094 KiB  
Review
Bioactive-Glass-Based Materials with Possible Application in Diabetic Wound Healing: A Systematic Review
by Marian Vargas Guerrero, Floor M. A. Aendekerk, Candice de Boer, Jan Geurts, Jimmy Lucchesi and Jacobus J. C. Arts
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(2), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25021152 - 17 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1388
Abstract
Diabetes affected 537 million adults in 2021, costing a total of USD 966 billion dollars in healthcare. One of the most common complications associated with diabetes corresponds to the development of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFUs affect around 15% of diabetic patients; these [...] Read more.
Diabetes affected 537 million adults in 2021, costing a total of USD 966 billion dollars in healthcare. One of the most common complications associated with diabetes corresponds to the development of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFUs affect around 15% of diabetic patients; these ulcers have impaired healing due to neuropathy, arterial disease, infection, and aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, among other factors. The bioactive-glass-based materials discussed in this systematic review show promising results in accelerating diabetic wound healing. It can be concluded that the addition of BG is extremely valuable with regard to the wound healing rate and wound healing quality, since BG activates fibroblasts, enhances M1-to-M2 phenotype switching, induces angiogenesis, and initiates the formation of granulation tissue and re-epithelization of the wound. In addition, a higher density and deposition and better organization of collagen type III are seen. This systematic review was made using the PRISMA guideline and intends to contribute to the advancement of diabetic wound healing therapeutic strategies development by providing an overview of the materials currently being developed and their effect in diabetic wound healing in vitro and in vivo. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Advances in Antimicrobial Biomaterials)
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