Next-Generation Therapeutic Polymers: From Molecular Design to Dual Antibacterial/Antithrombotic Action
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: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 27
Special Issue Editor
Interests: biodegradable polymers; ring-opening polymerization; polymeric biomaterials; antibacterial polymers; controlled drug release; tissue engineering; biodegradable implants; biodegradable vascular stents
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Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Biocompatible polymers have recently gained significant attention in the medical field due to their varied possible applications. They are primarily used as drug delivery systems for targeted and controlled drug release and as implants that can temporarily or permanently replace the functions of damaged tissues or organs. This type of polymer allows for the expansion of the possibility of their use as materials with a direct enhanced therapeutic effect, rather than merely serving as a drug carrier. They are gifted with additional equipment that is helpful in treatment processes that are tuneable by varying their chain and/or the macromolecular structure of molecules. They can mimic biological molecules, interact with cells and tissues, or release active functionalities. Given the breadth of this subject, this Special Issue aims primarily to highlight studies focusing on bioactive biocompatible polymers that have therapeutic effects. Specifically, two categories of bioactive polymers are under discussion, including polymers that are effective at combating bacterial infections and polymers that are capable of preventing blood clots on implant surfaces, addressing the associated risks of thrombosis. These questions are critical challenges in modern medicine with significant social implications and economical impact. The first category is developed to kill or inhibit bacterial growth with modalities that are different to those of conventional antibiotics, including extragenomic processes, thus bypassing the mutational mechanisms of bacteria cells and limiting the emergence of drug resistance. Based on their antibacterial action mechanism, these polymers can be categorized into the following three groups:
- Contact-killing polymers, which disrupt bacterial membranes (e.g., polymers containing quaternary ammonium, phosphonium, or guanidinium groups).
- Release-based mechanism polymers, which are loaded with silver ions, antibiotics, or nitric oxide donors.
- Antifouling polymers, which are designed to resist bacterial biofilm formation.
The second category consists of anticoagulant polymers, which are used to engineer medical devices that enter into contact with blood, such as catheters, stents, and dialysis membranes. These polymers can be further divided based on their mechanism of action, as follows:
- Heparin-mimicking polymers, which are negatively charged (sulfated or carboxylated) polymers capable of binding antithrombin III, thus inhibiting the coagulation cascade.
- Heparin-conjugated polymers, which possess covalently bound heparin, thus having an anticoagulant surface.
- Zwitterionic polymers, including phosphorylcholine-based polymers, which resist protein adsorption and reduce platelet adhesion.
- Polymeric nitric oxide (NO) donors, which release NO, thus inhibiting platelet aggregation.
Papers focusing on the methods of production of the abovementioned polymeric materials and on possible modifications to improve their physicochemical properties and bioactivity application, as well as on their current clinical and preclinical applications, are expected. This Special Issue aims to be particularly relevant for a wide variety of professionals in the fields of polymer chemistry and biomaterial science, including researchers, industrial practitioners, and medical doctors. I cordially invite you to contribute to this Special Issue by submitting original research papers or insightful reviews.
Prof. Dr. Piotr Dobrzynski
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- antibacterial polymers
- antifouling polymers
- anticoagulant polymers
- heparin-mimicking polymers
- heparin-conjugated polymers
- phosphorylcholine-based polymers
- polymeric nitric oxide donors
- polymers, loaded with silver ions, or antibiotics
- antibacterial nano- and micro particles
- anticoagulant layers
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