Antimicrobial Agents and Nanomaterials—2nd Edition

Abstract submission deadline

31 October 2026

Manuscript submission deadline

31 December 2026

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Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has come to represent a major problem that has been demonstrated across healthcare settings worldwide. AMR is caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms, or “superbugs”, which can evade many of the antibiotics used in clinical practice. Today, MDR microorganisms constitute a great clinical and economic burden. In fact, the current methods of clinical treatment have started to rely on more aggressive antibiotic therapy, leading to a decrease in the life quality of the infected patients and an increase in the associated therapeutic costs. Due to the failure of conventional antibiotics, we are now entering a new era of clinical treatment based on compounds. This is reflected, for example, in the development of antibacterial nanomaterials or nanoantibiotics. This Topic aims to identify the novel strategies that may be used to overcome AMR, with a particular focus on the development of medical nanomaterials. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Antimicrobial polymers;
• Antimicrobial peptides and peptidomimetics;
• Synergic effects of antimicrobial agents;
• Antimicrobial coatings;
• Inhibitors of virulence factors;
• Drug nanodelivery systems.

We welcome the contributions of authors working in this critical field of research.

Prof. Dr. Vasco D. B. Bonifácio
Dr. Sandra Pinto
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Biomolecules biomolecules	4.8	9.2	2011	19.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
International Journal of Molecular Sciences ijms	4.9	9.0	2000	20.5 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Micro micro	1.9	3.2	2021	28.1 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.6	8.6	1996	16.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Antibiotics antibiotics	4.6	8.7	2012	15 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.3	9.2	2010	15.4 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Microorganisms microorganisms	4.2	7.7	2013	15.2 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Journal of Functional Biomaterials jfb	5.2	6.8	2010	15.9 Days	CHF 2700	Submit

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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All Biomolecules IJMS Micro Molecules Antibiotics Nanomaterials Microorganisms JFB

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12 pages, 1192 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Environmental Amoxicillin Exposure Induces Cardiotoxicity in Zebrafish Embryos: A Comprehensive Assessment of Heart Function and Molecular Responses

by Azza Naïja, Dalal Mohamed, Somaiya Abdulhakim, Amera Mohamed and Huseyin Cagatay Yalcin

Antibiotics 2025, 14(10), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14101029 - 14 Oct 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives. Environmental pollution poses a significant threat to human health, primarily through the degradation of natural ecosystems. Emerging organic contaminants (EOCs), such as pharmaceuticals like amoxicillin, are especially concerning due to their persistence and potential harm to non-target species. This study evaluates the [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives. Environmental pollution poses a significant threat to human health, primarily through the degradation of natural ecosystems. Emerging organic contaminants (EOCs), such as pharmaceuticals like amoxicillin, are especially concerning due to their persistence and potential harm to non-target species. This study evaluates the cardiotoxic effects of Amoxicillin (AMX) on Zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio), specifically heart function, blood flow, and gene expression linked to cardiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis. Methods. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to concentrations of AMX corresponding to environmentally relevant levels, wastewater effluents, as well as acute experimental exposures. Mortality and hatching rates were all assessed, along with heart function and gene expression analysis of key cardiac and inflammatory markers. Results/Conclusions. The findings suggest that higher AMX concentrations have cardiotoxic effects, emphasizing the need for stringent environmental monitoring of antibiotic residuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Antimicrobial Agents and Nanomaterials—2nd Edition)

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27 pages, 2823 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Biogenic TiO₂–ZnO Nanocoatings: A Sustainable Strategy for Visible-Light Self-Sterilizing Surfaces in Healthcare

by Ali Jabbar Abd Al-Hussain Alkawaz, Maryam Sabah Naser and Ali Jalil Obaid

Micro 2025, 5(4), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/micro5040045 - 30 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Introduction: Hospital-acquired infections remain a significant healthcare concern due to the persistence of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on frequently touched surfaces. Conventional TiO₂ coatings are limited to UV activation, which restricts their application under normal indoor light. Combining [...] Read more.

Introduction: Hospital-acquired infections remain a significant healthcare concern due to the persistence of pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli on frequently touched surfaces. Conventional TiO₂ coatings are limited to UV activation, which restricts their application under normal indoor light. Combining TiO₂ with ZnO and employing green synthesis methods may overcome these limitations. Methodology: Biogenic TiO₂ and ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using Bacillus subtilis under mild aqueous conditions. The nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, XRD, UV-Vis, and FTIR, confirming nanoscale size, crystalline phases, and organic capping. A multilayer TiO₂/ZnO coating was fabricated on glass substrates through layer-by-layer deposition. Antibacterial activity was tested against S. aureus and E. coli using disk diffusion, direct contact assays, ROS quantification (FOX assay), and scavenger experiments. Statistical significance was evaluated using ANOVA. Results: The TiO₂/ZnO multilayer exhibited superior antibacterial activity under visible light, with inhibition zones of ~15 mm (S. aureus) and ~12 mm (E. coli), significantly outperforming single-component coatings. Direct contact assays confirmed strong bactericidal effects, while scavenger tests verified ROS-mediated mechanisms. FOX assays detected elevated H₂O₂ generation, correlating with antibacterial performance. Discussion: Synergistic effects of band-gap narrowing, Zn²⁺ release, and ROS generation enhanced visible-light photocatalysis. The multilayer structure improved light absorption and charge separation, providing higher antimicrobial efficacy than individual oxides. Conclusion: Biogenic TiO₂/ZnO multilayers represent a sustainable, visible-light-activated antimicrobial strategy with strong potential for reducing nosocomial infections on hospital surfaces and surgical instruments. Future studies should assess long-term durability and clinical safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Antimicrobial Agents and Nanomaterials—2nd Edition)

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29 pages, 1391 KB  

Open AccessReview

Nanocurcumin and Curcumin-Loaded Nanoparticles in Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: Mechanisms and Emerging Applications

by Edith Dube and Grace Emily Okuthe

Micro 2025, 5(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/micro5030039 - 18 Aug 2025

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Abstract

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance has necessitated the development of alternative, non-antibiotic therapies for effective microbial control. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, which uses photosensitizers activated by light to generate reactive oxygen species, offers a promising solution. Among natural photosensitizers, curcumin, a polyphenolic compound [...] Read more.

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance has necessitated the development of alternative, non-antibiotic therapies for effective microbial control. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, which uses photosensitizers activated by light to generate reactive oxygen species, offers a promising solution. Among natural photosensitizers, curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from Curcuma longa, has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity through reactive oxygen species-mediated membrane disruption and intracellular damage. However, curcumin’s poor water solubility, low stability, and limited bioavailability hinder its clinical utility. Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative strategy to overcome these limitations. This review comprehensively explores advances in nanocurcumin- and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles, highlighting their physicochemical enhancements, photodynamic mechanisms, and antimicrobial efficacy against multidrug-resistant and biofilm-associated pathogens. A range of nanocarriers, including chitosan, liposomes, nanobubbles, hybrid metal composites, metal–organic frameworks, and covalent organic frameworks, demonstrate improved microbial targeting, light activation efficiency, and therapeutic outcomes. Applications span wound healing, dental disinfection, food preservation, water treatment, and medical device sterilization. Conclusions and future directions are given, emphasizing the integration of smart nanocarriers and combinatorial therapies to enhance curcumin’s clinical translation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Antimicrobial Agents and Nanomaterials—2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 4165 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Structural and Functional Effects of the Interaction Between an Antimicrobial Peptide and Its Analogs with Model Bacterial and Erythrocyte Membranes

by Michele Lika Furuya, Gustavo Penteado Carretero, Marcelo Porto Bemquerer, Sumika Kiyota, Magali Aparecida Rodrigues, Tarcillo José de Nardi Gaziri, Norma Lucia Buritica Zuluaga, Danilo Kiyoshi Matsubara, Marcio Nardelli Wandermuren, Karin A. Riske, Hernan Chaimovich, Shirley Schreier and Iolanda Midea Cuccovia

Biomolecules 2025, 15(8), 1143; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15081143 - 7 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a primary defense against pathogens. Here, we examined the interaction of two BP100 analogs, R²R⁵-BP100 (where Arg substitutes Lys 2 and 5) and R²R⁵-BP100-A-NH-C₁₆ (where an Ala and a C [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a primary defense against pathogens. Here, we examined the interaction of two BP100 analogs, R²R⁵-BP100 (where Arg substitutes Lys 2 and 5) and R²R⁵-BP100-A-NH-C₁₆ (where an Ala and a C₁₆ hydrocarbon chain are added to the R²R⁵-BP100 C-terminus), with membrane models. Large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) were prepared with the major lipids in Gram-positive (GP) and Gram-negative (GN) bacteria, as well as red blood cells (RBCs). Fluorescence data, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurements revealed that upon achieving electroneutrality through peptide binding, vesicle aggregation occurred. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra corroborated these observations, and upon vesicle binding, the peptides acquired α-helical conformation. The peptide concentration, producing a 50% release of carboxyfluorescein (C₅₀) from LUVs, was similar for GP-LUVs. With GN and RBC-LUVs, C₅₀ decreased in the following order: BP100 > R²R⁵-BP100 > R²R⁵BP100-A-NH-C₁₆. Optical microscopy of GP-, GN-, and RBC-GUVs revealed the rupture or bursting of the two former membranes, consistent with a carpet mechanism of action. Using GUVs, we confirmed RBC aggregation by BP100 and R²R⁵-BP100. We determined the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of peptides for a GN bacterium (Escherichia coli (E. coli)) and two GP bacteria (two strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and one strain of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis)). The MICs for S. aureus were strain-dependent. These results demonstrate that Lys/Arg replacement can improve the parent peptide’s antimicrobial activity while increasing hydrophobicity renders the peptide less effective and more hemolytic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Antimicrobial Agents and Nanomaterials—2nd Edition)

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