Topic Editors
Antimicrobial Agents and Nanomaterials—2nd Edition
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
- multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR)
- resistance mechanisms
- antibiotics
- novel antimicrobial agents
- drug susceptibility
Participating Journals
| Journal Name | Impact Factor | CiteScore | Launched Year | First Decision (median) | APC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Biomolecules
|
4.8 | 9.4 | 2011 | 18.4 Days | CHF 2700 | Submit |
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|
4.9 | 8.1 | 2000 | 16.8 Days | CHF 2900 | Submit |
Micro
|
- | - | 2021 | 24.5 Days | CHF 1000 | Submit |
Molecules
|
4.2 | 7.4 | 1996 | 15.1 Days | CHF 2700 | Submit |
Antibiotics
|
4.3 | 7.3 | 2012 | 15.8 Days | CHF 2900 | Submit |
Nanomaterials
|
4.4 | 8.5 | 2010 | 14.1 Days | CHF 2900 | Submit |
Microorganisms
|
4.1 | 7.4 | 2013 | 11.7 Days | CHF 2700 | Submit |
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Related Topic
- Antimicrobial Agents and Nanomaterials (35 articles)
Published Papers
Planned Papers
The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.
Title: Enhancing Root Canal Disinfection by Adding Nanoparticle-Assisted Blue Light to Sodium Hypochlorite
Authors: Gurdeep Singh; Abubaker Qutieshat
Affiliation: Oman Dental College, University of Dundee
Abstract: Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and blue light, both individually and in combination, against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in vitro. Their performance was compared to 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) to determine whether these adjuncts could enhance root canal disinfection. Methods: A laboratory investigation was conducted using eight experimental groups: E. faecalis with phosphate-buffered saline (control), 1% NaOCl, ZnO NPs, blue light, 1% NaOCl + ZnO NPs, 1% NaOCl + blue light, ZnO NPs + blue light, and 1% NaOCl + ZnO NPs + blue light. Standardized E. faecalis inocula were exposed to each treatment under controlled conditions. Bacterial cells were then recovered, serially diluted, and plated on agar to determine colony-forming units (CFU). Reductions in CFU, compared to the control, were analyzed using Mann-Whitney tests. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Most experimental groups exhibited significantly lower bacterial counts than the control (p=0.000), except for the blue light–only group, which was not statistically different. Among the single-agent treatments that reached significance, 1% NaOCl produced the greatest bacterial reduction, followed by ZnO NPs. When combined, dual treatments (1% NaOCl + ZnO NPs, 1% NaOCl + blue light, or ZnO NPs + blue light) reduced bacterial counts more than single agents. The triple combination of 1% NaOCl, ZnO NPs, and blue light achieved the highest reduction overall. These findings support additive or synergistic effects when ZnO NPs and blue light are used alongside NaOCl. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of ZnO NPs and blue light as adjuncts to 1% NaOCl for more effective elimination of E. faecalis in planktonic cultures. The enhanced antimicrobial activity observed with combined treatments suggests that incorporating nanoparticles and photodisinfection could reduce the need for higher NaOCl concentrations while maintaining robust antibacterial efficacy. Future research using biofilm and ex vivo models is recommended to validate these results and assess the safety and clinical applicability of this approach. The development of such adjunctive strategies may contribute to improved root canal disinfection and better overall endodontic outcomes.
