Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Polymers: A Mini-Review

Silk Fibroin and Its Nanocomposites for Wound Care: A Comprehensive Review

For most individuals, wound healing is a highly organized, straightforward process, wherein the body transitions through different phases in a timely manner. However, there are instances where external intervention becomes necessary to support and facilitate different phases of the body's innate healing mechanism. Furthermore, in developing countries, the cost of the intervention significantly impacts access to treatment options as affordability becomes a determining factor. This is particularly true in cases of long-term wound treatment and management, such as chronic wounds and infections. Silk fibroin (SF) and its nanocomposites have emerged as promising biomaterials with potent wound-healing activity. Driven by this motivation, this Review presents a critical overview of the recent advancements in different aspects of wound care using SF and SF-based nanocomposites. In this context, we explore various formats of hemostats and assess their suitability for different bleeding situations. The subsequent sections discuss the primary causes of nonhealing wounds, i.e., prolonged inflammation and infections. Herein, different treatment strategies to achieve immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties in a wound dressing were reviewed. Despite exhibiting excellent pro-healing properties, few silk-based products reach the market. This Review concludes by highlighting the bottlenecks in translating silk-based products into the market and the prospects for the future.

Exploiting the advantages of cationic copolymers and AgBr nanoparticles to optimize the antibacterial activity of chitosan

Recently, the chitosan (CS)-based composites have attracted increasing attention for controlling and preventing the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Herein, an amphiphilic copolymer containing epoxy and quaternary ammonium groups (PBGDBr) was synthesized via three common acrylate monomers. The epoxy groups of this copolymer were then crosslinked with the amino groups of CS to synthesize a natural/synthetic (PBGDBr-C) composite to increase the water solubility of CS under alkaline conditions and enhance its antibacterial activity based on chemical contact-type modes. Moreover, silver bromide nanoparticles (AgBr NPs)-decorated PBGDBr-C (AgBr@PBGDBr-C) composite was prepared, which aimed to endow the final AgBr@PBGDBr-C composite with a photodynamic antibacterial mode relying on the formation of Ag/AgBr nanostructures catalyzed by visible light on AgBr NPs. The results showed that the final composite possessed satisfactory bactericidal effects at concentrations higher than 64 and 128 μg/mL against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Additionally, The L929 cells treated with the final composite retained high cell viability (>80 %) at a concentration of 128 μg/mL, indicating its low toxicity to L929 cells. Overall, our synthetic strategy exploits a multi-modal system that enables chemical-photodynamic synergies to treat infections caused by pathogenic bacteria while delaying the development of bacterial resistance.

Navigating Antibacterial Frontiers: A Panoramic Exploration of Antibacterial Landscapes, Resistance Mechanisms, and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies

The development of effective antibacterial solutions has become paramount in maintaining global health in this era of increasing bacterial threats and rampant antibiotic resistance. Traditional antibiotics have played a significant role in combating bacterial infections throughout history. However, the emergence of novel resistant strains necessitates constant innovation in antibacterial research. We have analyzed the data on antibacterials from the CAS Content Collection, the largest human-curated collection of published scientific knowledge, which has proven valuable for quantitative analysis of global scientific knowledge. Our analysis focuses on mining the CAS Content Collection data for recent publications (since 2012). This article aims to explore the intricate landscape of antibacterial research while reviewing the advancement from traditional antibiotics to novel and emerging antibacterial strategies. By delving into the resistance mechanisms, this paper highlights the need to find alternate strategies to address the growing concern.

Understanding the biofilm development of Acinetobacter baumannii and novel strategies to combat infection

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a Gram-negative, nonmotile, and aerobic bacillus emerged as a superbug, due to increasing the possibility of infection and accelerating rates of antimicrobial agents. It is recognized as a nosocomial pathogen due to its ability to form biofilms. These biofilms serve as a defensive barrier, increase antibiotic resistance, and make treatment more difficult. As a result, the current situation necessitates the rapid emergence of novel therapeutic approaches to ensure successful treatment outcomes. This review explores the intricate relationship between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii, emphasizing the role of key virulence factors and quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms that will lead to infections and facilitate insight into developing innovative method to control A. baumannii infections. Furthermore, the review article looks into promising approaches for preventing biofilm formation on medically important surfaces and potential therapeutic methods for eliminating preformed biofilms, which can address biofilm-associated A. baumannii infections. Modern advances in emerging therapeutic options such as antimicrobial peptide (AMPs), nanoparticles (NPs), bacteriophage therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and other biofilm inhibitors can assist readers understand the current landscape and future prospects for effectively treating A. baumannii biofilm infections.

An injectable sequential dual-crosslinking catechol-functionalized hyaluronic acid hydrogel for enhanced regeneration of full-thickness burn injury

Severe burn injuries with massive dermal loss are often underestimated despite their significant impact on morbidity and mortality. Resembling the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dressings have been extensively explored as suitable candidates for burn wound treatment. However, native HA hydrogel's limitations, such as low mechanical strength, rapid degradation, and uncontrollable drug delivery, hinder its efficacy, especially for full-thickness burns requiring injectable hydrogels with robust antibacterial and angiogenic capabilities. Herein, we present a novel multifunctional sequential dual-curing hydrogel system, combining hyperbranched poly(DMA-DMAPMA-PEGDA) (DDP) polymer with thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH). The DDP copolymer, featuring multi-vinyls and catechol functionalities, facilitates two curing reactions taking place sequentially with HA-SH under physiological conditions, balancing convenient injection with the mechanical strength essential for effective wound management. Furthermore, the resulting DDP/HA hydrogels demonstrate enhanced therapeutic attributes, including intrinsic angiogenic and antimicrobial effects, setting them as promising dressing options for deep burn wound therapy.

Bacteria-surface interactions: role of impacting bacteria-laden droplets

Understanding the interactions of pathogenic droplets with surfaces is crucial to biomedical applications. In this study, using E. coli as the model microbe, we investigate the impact of a bacteria-laden droplet on different substrates, both bare and antimicrobial. In doing so, we unveil the significance of kinetic energy and spreading parameters of the impacting droplet in determining the microbes' proliferation capabilities. Our results indicate an inverse relationship between the impact Weber number and the bacterial ability to proliferate. We reveal that the mechanical stress generated during impact impedes the capabilities of microbes present inside the droplet to create their progeny. Following an order analysis of the mechanical stress generated, we argue that the impact does not induce lysis-driven cell death of the bacteria; rather, it promotes a stress-driven transition of viable bacteria to a viable-but-non-culturable (VBNC) state. Furthermore, variations in the concentration of particles on the antimicrobial surfaces revealed the role of the post-impact spreading behaviour in dictating bacterial proliferation capabilities. Contrary to the conventional notion, we demonstrate that during the early stages of interaction, a bare substrate may outperform an antibacterial substrate in the inactivation of the bacterial load. Finally, we present an interaction map illustrating the complex relationship between bacterial colony-forming units, bactericide concentration on the surface, and the impact Weber number. We believe that the inferences of the study, highlighting the effect of mechanical stresses on the soft cell wall of microbes, could be a useful design consideration for the development of antimicrobial surfaces.

Contact-Killing Antibacterial Polystyrene Polymerized Using a Quaternized Cationic Initiator

Contact-killing antibacterial materials are attracting attention owing to their ability for sustained antibacterial activity. However, contact-killing antibacterial polystyrene (PS) has not been extensively studied because its chemically stable structure impedes chemical modification. In this study, we developed an antibacterial PS sheet with a contact-killing surface using PS synthesized from 2,2'-azobis-[2-(1,3-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-3-ium-2-yl)]propane triflate (ADIP) as a radical initiator with cationic moieties. The PS sheet synthesized with ADIP (ADIP-PS) exhibited antibacterial activity in contrast to PS synthesized with other azo radical initiators. Surface ζ-potential measurements revealed that only ADIP-PS had a cationic surface, which contributed to its contact-killing antibacterial activity. The ADIP-PS sheets also exhibited antibacterial activity after washing. In contrast, PS sheets containing silver, a typical leachable antibacterial agent, lost all antibacterial activity after the same washing treatment. The antibacterial ADIP-PS sheet demonstrated strong broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant bacteria. Cytotoxicity tests using L929 cells showed that the ADIP-PS sheets were noncytotoxic. This contact-killing antibacterial PS synthesized with ADIP thus demonstrated good prospects as an easily producible antimicrobial material.

Structure-activity relationship of drug conjugated polymeric materials against uropathogenic bacteria colonization under in vitro and in vivo settings

The human world has been plagued with different kinds of bacterial infections from time immemorial. The increased development of resistance towards commercial antibiotics has made these bacterial infections an even more critical challenge. Bacteria have modified their mode of interactions with different types of commercial drugs by bringing changes to the receptor proteins or by other resisting mechanisms like drug efflux. Various chemical approaches have been made to date to fight against these smart adapting species. Towards this, we hypothesize chemically modifying the commercial antibacterial drugs in order to deceive the bacteria and destroy the bacterial biomass. In this study, different molecular weight polyethyleneimines are taken and conjugated with some well-known commercial drugs like penicillin and chloramphenicol to explore their antibacterial properties against some of the laboratory and uro-pathogenic strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. A detailed structure-activity relationship of these polymeric prodrug-like materials has been evaluated to determine the optimum formulation. The standardized system not only shows significant ∼90% bacterial killing in liquid broth culture, but also demonstrates promising bacterial inhibition towards biofilm formation for the pathogenic strains on inanimate surfaces like urinary catheters and on an in vivo mouse skin abrasion model. The reported bioactive polymeric materials can be successfully used for widespread therapeutic applications with promising medical relevance.

Synthesis of polycationic nanoparticles for microbial inhibition and killing

Antimicrobial polymers (AMP) appear to be a promising candidate to deal with the current scenario of bacterial resistance against conventional drugs and antibiotics as they mainly depend on disrupting the bacterial membrane. This work investigates the effect of polycations bearing aromatic and aliphatic pendant cationic groups on the antimicrobial performance of AMP. A radical polymerization strategy was adopted to synthesize two different copolymers and convert them into polycations upon post-modification. Polyelectrolytes were converted into nanoparticles by nanoprecipitation and named PE1 and PE2. Polymers were analyzed by NMR, FT-IR, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). PE1 and PE2 nanoparticles were uniform, spherical particles from FESEM, size, and zeta potential measurements. The antimicrobial properties of polyelectrolytes were determined against pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus Subtilis (B. Subtilis), Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens (B. Amyloliquefaciens) and Citrobecter Freundii (C. Freundii) bacterias. The biocidal activity determination studies showed that polyelectrolyte PE2 with aromatic pendant units outperformed PE1 with the aliphatic pendant group. This work highlights the remarkable effect of aromatic segmentation, which provides microbial inhibition, and killing is demonstrated as an antibacterial surface coating.

Electrostatic and Covalent Binding of an Antibacterial Polymer to Hydroxyapatite for Protection against Escherichia coli Colonization

Orthopedic-device-related infections are notorious for causing physical and psychological trauma to patients suffering from them. Traditional methods of treating these infections have relied heavily on antibiotics and are becoming ineffectual due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Mimics of antimicrobial peptides have emerged as exciting alternatives due to their favorable antibacterial properties and lack of propensity for generating resistant bacteria. In this study, the efficacy of an antibacterial polymer as a coating material for hydroxyapatite and glass surfaces, two materials with wide ranging application in orthopedics and the biomedical sciences, is demonstrated. Both physical and covalent modes of attachment of the polymer to these materials were explored. Polymer attachment to the material surfaces was confirmed via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. The modified surfaces exhibited significant antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli, and the activity was retained for a prolonged period on the surfaces of the covalently modified materials.

Rechargeable films for protection of dry foods: A sustainable method for covalent grafting of β-cyclodextrin-thymol complex on PET/viscose platform

Rechargeable materials for the effective protection of dry food products were developed. β-cyclodextrin-thymol inclusion complex was covalently grafted on a solid platform of polyethylene terephthalate-viscose using either traditional cross-linker of epichlorohydrin, or natural cross-linker of citric acid. A correlation between the grafting method and physicochemical properties, loading capacity and release capabilities of the resulted materials was studied. The developed materials demonstrated antimicrobial properties preventing mold propagation in wheat grains. The treated grains showed normal germination abilities verifying that the prepared materials can protect dry food products without using harmful chemicals. The suggested approach can be extended to other applications and active agents. A combination of rechargeable films with natural volatiles can serve as an effective platform for sustainable active materials for food protection and in other fields such as agriculture, cosmetics, and medicine.

A new antimicrobial PVC-based polymeric material incorporating bisacylthiourea complexes

A new antimicrobial material incorporating Cu(I) and Cd(II) complexes of bisacylthiourea derivatives in a PVC film was successfully synthesized and characterized by IR, UV, NMR, SEM, and thermal analyses. The results revealed that on coordination, the electronic structure change of the ligand affects practically all their spectral vibrational pattern; however, within the complex pattern, some vibrations indicated that the thiourea derivative behaves as a neutral ligand, which coordinates the metal ion through the sulfur atom of the thiocarbonyl group. The greater affinity of the S atom for Cu^+ 1 played a role in Cu(II)→Cu(I) reduction, and the intramolecular hydrogen bonds of the type of (NH···Cl) further stabilized the obtained Cu(I) complex in dioxane. The antimicrobial activity shows that all investigated compounds exhibit excellent activity compared to standard antibiotics. The antibacterial power of the PVC/Cd composite is significantly superior against the most resistant species to both disinfectants and antibiotics compared to its PVC/Cu analogue; nevertheless, the latter exhibited activity equal to an average halo diameter of 29 ± 0.33 mm against pathogenic E. coli ATCC 25,922, indicating excellent G (-) activity. Interestingly, the PVC/Cd composite exhibited excellent activity against pathogenic C. albicans RCMB 005003 (1) ATCC 10,231, while its PVC/Cu analogue was inactive. These materials may be used to reduce infection in wounds either as a composite film or coated barrier dressings, and in addition, the results should open a new direction in antimicrobial surface engineering within the biomedical field. Further challenges are the development of reusable and broad-range antimicrobial polymers..

Synthesis and Antibiotic Activity of Chitosan-Based Comb-like Co-Polypeptides

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria have been named one of the most urgent global health threats due to antimicrobial resistance. Considerable efforts have been made to develop new antibiotic drugs and investigate the mechanism of resistance. Recently, Anti-Microbial Peptides (AMPs) have served as a paradigm in the design of novel drugs that are active against multidrug-resistant organisms. AMPs are rapid-acting, potent, possess an unusually broad spectrum of activity, and have shown efficacy as topical agents. Unlike traditional therapeutics that interfere with essential bacterial enzymes, AMPs interact with microbial membranes through electrostatic interactions and physically damage cell integrity. However, naturally occurring AMPs have limited selectivity and modest efficacy. Therefore, recent efforts have focused on the development of synthetic AMP analogs with optimal pharmacodynamics and an ideal selectivity profile. Hence, this work explores the development of novel antimicrobial agents which mimic the structure of graft copolymers and mirror the mode of action of AMPs. A family of polymers comprised of chitosan backbone and AMP side chains were synthesized via the ring-opening polymerization of the N-carboxyanhydride of l-lysine and l-leucine. The polymerization was initiated from the functional groups of chitosan. The derivatives with random- and block-copolymer side chains were explored as drug targets. These graft copolymer systems exhibited activity against clinically significant pathogens and disrupted biofilm formation. Our studies highlight the potential of chitosan-graft-polypeptide structures in biomedical applications.

Advances in continuous polymer analysis in flow with application towards biopolymers

Biopolymers, polymers derived from renewable biomass sources, have gained increasing attention in recent years due to their potential to replace traditional petroleum-based polymers in a range of applications. Among the many advantages of biopolymers can be included their biocompatibility, excellent mechanical properties, and availability from renewable feedstock. However, the development of biopolymers has been limited by a lack of understanding of their properties and processing behaviours. Continuous analysis techniques have the potential to hasten progress in this area by providing real-time insights into the properties and processing of biopolymers. Significant research in polymer chemistry has focused on petroleum-derived polymers and has thus provided a wealth of synthetic and analytical methodologies which may be applied to the biopolymer field. Of particular note is the application of flow technology in polymer science and its implications for accelerating progress towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based polymers. In this mini review we have outlined several of the most prominent use cases for biopolymers along with the current state-of-the art in continuous analysis of polymers in flow, including defining and differentiating atline, inline, online and offline analysis. We have found several examples for continuous flow analysis which have direct application to the biopolymer field, and we demonstrate an atline continuous polymer analysis method using size exclusion chromatography.

Graphical abstract

Recent Development of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)-Based Materials for Antibacterial Applications: A Review

The diseases caused by microorganisms are innumerable existing on this planet. Nevertheless, increasing antimicrobial resistance has become an urgent global challenge. Thus, in recent decades, bactericidal materials have been considered promising candidates to combat bacterial pathogens. Recently, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have been used as green and biodegradable materials in various promising alternative applications, especially in healthcare for antiviral or antiviral purposes. However, it lacks a systematic review of the recent application of this emerging material for antibacterial applications. Therefore, the ultimate goal of this review is to provide a critical review of the state of the art recent development of PHA biopolymers in terms of cutting-edge production technologies as well as promising application fields. In addition, special attention was given to collecting scientific information on antibacterial agents that can potentially be incorporated into PHA materials for biological and durable antimicrobial protection. Furthermore, the current research gaps are declared, and future research perspectives are proposed to better understand the properties of these biopolymers as well as their possible applications.

Structural parameters of nanoparticles affecting their toxicity for biomedical applications: a review

Rapidly growing interest in using nanoparticles (NPs) for biomedical applications has increased concerns about their safety and toxicity. In comparison with bulk materials, NPs are more chemically active and toxic due to the greater surface area and small size. Understanding the NPs' mechanism of toxicity, together with the factors influencing their behavior in biological environments, can help researchers to design NPs with reduced side effects and improved performance. After overviewing the classification and properties of NPs, this review article discusses their biomedical applications in molecular imaging and cell therapy, gene transfer, tissue engineering, targeted drug delivery, Anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, cancer treatment, wound healing, and anti-bacterial applications. There are different mechanisms of toxicity of NPs, and their toxicity and behaviors depend on various factors, which are elaborated on in this article. More specifically, the mechanism of toxicity and their interactions with living components are discussed by considering the impact of different physiochemical parameters such as size, shape, structure, agglomeration state, surface charge, wettability, dose, and substance type. The toxicity of polymeric, silica-based, carbon-based, and metallic-based NPs (including plasmonic alloy NPs) have been considered separately.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Pullulan Scaffolds Loaded with Nepeta racemosa Lam. Essential Oil and Perspectives for Possible Applications

Essential oil of Nepeta racemosa Lam. was extracted and characterized to determine its antimicrobial activity and potential use in applications. The essential oil was loaded on polyvinyl alcohol-pullulan films and gels and characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy before having its antimicrobial capacities assessed. The essential oil extracted from Nepeta racemosa Lam. was characterized using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy, which indicated that the most abundant component was nepetalic acid (55.5%), followed by eucalyptol (10.7%) and other compounds with concentrations of about 5% or less. The essential oil, as well as the loaded films and gels, exhibited good antibacterial activity on both gram-positive and gram-negative strains, with growth inhibition zones larger in some cases than for gentamicin, indicating excellent premises for using these essential-oil-loaded materials for applications in the food industry or biomedicine.

Uranium extraction from seawater: material design, emerging technologies and marine engineering

Uranium extraction from seawater (UES), a potential approach to securing the long-term uranium supply and sustainability of nuclear energy, has experienced significant progress in the past decade. Promising adsorbents with record-high capacities have been developed by diverse innovative synthetic strategies, and scale-up marine field tests have been put forward by several countries. However, significant challenges remain in terms of the adsorbents' properties in complex marine environments, deployment methods, and the economic viability of current UES systems. This review presents an up-to-date overview of the latest advancements in the UES field, highlighting new insights into the mechanistic basis of UES and the methodologies towards the function-oriented development of uranium adsorbents with high adsorption capacity, selectivity, biofouling resistance, and durability. A distinctive emphasis is placed on emerging electrochemical and photochemical strategies that have been employed to develop efficient UES systems. The most recent achievements in marine tests by the major countries are summarized. Challenges and perspectives related to the fundamental, technical, and engineering aspects of UES are discussed. This review is envisaged to inspire innovative ideas and bring technical solutions towards the development of technically and economically viable UES systems.

Self-Disinfecting Urethral Catheter to Overcome Urinary Infections: From Antimicrobial Photodynamic Action to Antibacterial Biochemical Entities

Medical-device-related infections are considered a worldwide public health problem. In particular, urinary catheters are responsible for 75% of cases of hospital urinary infections (a mortality rate of 2.3%) and present a high cost for public and private health systems. Some actions have been performed and described aiming to avoid it, including clinical guidelines for catheterization procedure, antibiotic prophylaxis, and use of antimicrobial coated-urinary catheters. In this review paper, we present and discuss the functionalization of urinary catheters surfaces with antimicrobial entities (e.g., photosensitizers, antibiotics, polymers, silver salts, oxides, bacteriophage, and enzymes) highlighting the immobilization of photosensitizing molecules for antimicrobial photodynamic applications. Moreover, the characterization techniques and (photo)antimicrobial effects of the coated-urinary catheters are described and discussed. We highlight the most significant examples in the last decade (2011-2021) concerning the antimicrobial coated-urinary catheter and their potential use, limitations, and future perspectives.

Atomic force and infrared spectroscopic studies on the role of surface charge for the anti-biofouling properties of polydopamine films

Antibacterial polymer materials have gained interest due to their capability to inhibit or eradicate biofilms with greater efficiency in comparison with their monomeric counterparts. Among the antimicrobial and anti-biofouling polymers, catecholamine-based polymers - and in particular polydopamine - have been studied due to their favorable adhesion properties, which can be tuned by controlling the pH value. In this study, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based spectroscopy to investigate the relation between the adhesion properties and surface charge density and the pH of electrochemically deposited polydopamine films presenting a dissociation constant of polydopamine of 6.3 ± 0.2 and a point of zero charge of 5.37 ± 0.06. Furthermore, using AFM and attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), the influence of the surface charge density of polydopamine on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation was investigated. It was shown that the adhesion of Escherichia coli at positively charged polydopamine is three times higher compared to a negatively charged polymer, and that the formation of biofilms is favored at positively charged polymers.

Bibliometrics of Functional Polymeric Biomaterials with Bioactive Properties Prepared by Radiation-Induced Graft Copolymerisation: A Review

Functional polymeric biomaterials (FPBMs) with bioactive characteristics obtained by radiation-induced graft copolymerisation (RIGC) have been subjected to intensive research and developed into many commercial products. Various studies have reported the development of a variety of radiation-grafted FPBMs. However, no reports dealing with the quantitative evaluations of these studies from a global bibliographic perspective have been published. Such bibliographic analysis can provide information to overcome the limitations of the databases and identify the main research trends, together with challenges and future directions. This review aims to provide an unprecedented bibliometric analysis of the published literature on the use of RIGC for the preparation of FPBMs and their applications in medical, biomedical, biotechnological, and health care fields. A total of 235 publications obtained from the Web of Science (WoS) in the period of 1985-2021 were retrieved, screened, and evaluated. The records were used to manifest the contributions to each field and underline not only the top authors, journals, citations, years of publication, and countries but also to highlight the core research topics and the hubs for research excellence on these materials. The obtained data overviews are likely to provide guides to early-career scientists and their research institutions and promote the development of new, timely needed radiation-grafted FPBMs, in addition to extending their applications.

Recent advancements and perspective of ciprofloxacin-based antimicrobial polymers

In recent years, microbial pathogens, which are major sources of infections, have become a widespread concern across the world. The number of deaths caused by infectious diseases is continually rising, according to World Health Organization records. Antimicrobial resistance, particularly resistance to several drugs, is steadily growing in percentages of organisms. Ciprofloxacin is a second-generation fluoroquinolone with significant antimicrobial activity and pharmacokinetic characteristics. According to studies, many bacteria are resistant to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. In this article, we look into polymers as ciprofloxacin macromolecular carriers with a wide range of antibacterial activity. We also discuss the latter form of coupling, in which ciprofloxacin and polymers are covalently bonded. This article also discusses the use of antimicrobial polymers in combination with ciprofloxacin in a various sectors. The current review article provides an overview of publications in the last five years on polymer loaded or modified with ciprofloxacin having applications in numerous sectors.

Polymers showing intrinsic antimicrobial activity

Pathogenic microorganisms are considered to a major threat to human health, impinging on multiple sectors including hospitals, dentistry, food storage and packaging, and water contamination. Due to the increasing levels of antimicrobial resistance shown by pathogens, often caused by long-term abuse or overuse of traditional antimicrobial drugs, new approaches and solutions are necessary. In this area, antimicrobial polymers are a viable solution to combat a variety of pathogens in a number of contexts. Indeed, polymers with intrinsic antimicrobial activities have long been an intriguing research area, in part, due to their widespread natural abundance in materials such as chitin, chitosan, carrageen, pectin, and the fact that they can be tethered to surfaces without losing their antimicrobial activities. In addition, since the discovery of the strong antimicrobial activity of some synthetic polymers, much work has focused on revealing the most effective structural elements that give rise to optimal antimicrobial properties. This has often been synthesis targeted, with the generation of either new polymers or the modification of natural antimicrobial polymers with the addition of antimicrobial enhancing modalities such as quaternary ammonium or guanidinium groups. In this review, the growing number of polymers showing intrinsic antimicrobial properties from the past decade are highlighted in terms of synthesis; often based on post-synthesis modification and their utilization. This includes as surface coatings, for example on medical devices, such as intravascular catheters, orthopaedic implants and contact lenses, or directly as antibacterial agents (specifically as eye drops). Surface functionalisation with inherently antimicrobial polymers is highlighted and has been achieved via various techniques, including surface-bound initiators allowing RAFT or ATRP surface-based polymerization, or via physical immobilization such as by layer-by-layer techniques. This article also covers the mechanistic modes of action of intrinsic antimicrobial polymers against bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Recent Developments in Multifunctional Antimicrobial Surfaces and Applications toward Advanced Nitric Oxide-Based Biomaterials

Implant-associated infections arising from biofilm development are known to have detrimental effects with compromised quality of life for the patients, implying a progressing issue in healthcare. It has been a struggle for more than 50 years for the biomaterials field to achieve long-term success of medical implants by discouraging bacterial and protein adhesion without adversely affecting the surrounding tissue and cell functions. However, the rate of infections associated with medical devices is continuously escalating because of the intricate nature of bacterial biofilms, antibiotic resistance, and the lack of ability of monofunctional antibacterial materials to prevent the colonization of bacteria on the device surface. For this reason, many current strategies are focused on the development of novel antibacterial surfaces with dual antimicrobial functionality. These surfaces are based on the combination of two components into one system that can eradicate attached bacteria (antibiotics, peptides, nitric oxide, ammonium salts, light, etc.) and also resist or release adhesion of bacteria (hydrophilic polymers, zwitterionic, antiadhesive, topography, bioinspired surfaces, etc.). This review aims to outline the progress made in the field of biomedical engineering and biomaterials for the development of multifunctional antibacterial biomedical devices. Additionally, principles for material design and fabrication are highlighted using characteristic examples, with a special focus on combinational nitric oxide-releasing biomedical interfaces. A brief perspective on future research directions for engineering of dual-function antibacterial surfaces is also presented.

Zwitterionic surface chemistry enhances detachment of bacteria under shear

The ubiquitous nature of microorganisms, especially of biofilm-forming bacteria, makes biofouling a prevalent challenge in many settings, including medical and industrial environments immersed in liquid and subjected to shear forces. Recent studies have shown that zwitterionic groups are effective in suppressing bacteria and protein adhesion as well as biofilm growth. However, the effect of zwitterionic groups on the removal of surface-bound bacteria has not been extensively studied. Here we present a microfluidic approach to evaluate the effectiveness in facilitating bacteria detachment by shear of an antifouling surface treatment using (3-(dimethyl;(3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonia propane-1-sulfonate), a sulfobetaine silane (SBS). Control studies show that SBS-functionalized surfaces greatly increase protein (bovine serum albumin) removal upon rinsing. On the same surfaces, enhanced bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) removal is observed under shear. To quantify this enhancement a microfluidic shear device is employed to investigate how SBS-functionalized surfaces promote bacteria detachment under shear. By using a microfluidic channel with five shear zones, we compare the removal of bacteria from zwitterionic and glass surfaces under different shear rates. At times of 15 min, 30 min, and 60 min, bacteria adhesion on SBS-functionalized surfaces is reduced relative to the control surface (glass) under quiescent conditions. However, surface-associated bacteria on the SBS-functionalized glass and control show similar percentages of live cells, suggesting minimal intrinsic biocidal effect from the SBS-functionalized surface. Notably, when exposed to shear rates ranging from 104 to 105 s-1, significantly fewer bacteria remain on the SBS-functionalized surfaces. These results demonstrate the potential of zwitterionic sulfobetaine as effective antifouling coatings that facilitate the removal of bacteria under shear.

Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Cichorium intybus extract embedded in chitosan nanocomposite nanofibers

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria acquired serious bacterial resistance against antibiotics. Untreated dangerous infections can cause death. We proposed nanofibers (NFs) of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Chitosan (CS) nanocomposite embedded with Chicory root extract (CRE) as a safe solution. We determined the best extraction solvent and drying method, 70 % ethanol and freeze-drying, respectively. We investigated the optimal electrospinner parameters for a smooth PVA/CS NFs. Finally, we discovered PVA/CS/CRE-50 mg (F4) to be the most effective antibacterial and antioxidant CRE concentration. Interestingly, it was found that ethanolic extract had the highest yield % at 24.7 % with Total Phenolic Contents (TPC) of 4 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/1 g, 80 % antioxidant activity at 25 mg with an IC50 of 4.15 mg/mL and a Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 100 mg against S. aureus and 25 mg against E. coli. Remarkably, F4 NFs had an IC50 33.32 mg/mL, Entrapment Efficiency 64.89 %, Loading Capacity 4.41 %, obeying Noyes-Whitney release model. F4 had an MBC of 2 mg with both bacterial strains, which proved to be potent antibacterial material that surpasses the pure extract 50 times. F4 has also shown an extraordinary antioxidant activity that exceeds PVA/CS NF activity 23 times.

Addressing a future pandemic: how can non-biological complex drugs prepare us for antimicrobial resistance threats?

Loss of effective antibiotics through antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to human health. By 2050, the annual death rate resulting from AMR infections is predicted to have climbed from 1.27 million per annum in 2019, up to 10 million per annum. It is therefore imperative to preserve the effectiveness of both existing and future antibiotics, such that they continue to save lives. One way to conserve the use of existing antibiotics and build further contingency against resistant strains is to develop alternatives. Non-biological complex drugs (NBCDs) are an emerging class of therapeutics that show multi-mechanistic antimicrobial activity and hold great promise as next generation antimicrobial agents. We critically outline the focal advancements for each key material class, including antimicrobial polymer materials, carbon nanomaterials, and inorganic nanomaterials, and highlight the potential for the development of antimicrobial resistance against each class. Finally, we outline remaining challenges for their clinical translation, including the need for specific regulatory pathways to be established in order to allow for more efficient clinical approval and adoption of these new technologies.

Tunable and recyclable polyesters from CO2 and butadiene

Carbon dioxide is inexpensive and abundant, and its prevalence as waste makes it attractive as a sustainable chemical feedstock. Although there are examples of copolymerizations of CO₂ with high-energy monomers, the direct copolymerization of CO₂ with olefins has not been reported. Here an alternative route to functionalizable, recyclable polyesters derived from CO₂, butadiene and hydrogen via an intermediary lactone, 3-ethyl-6-vinyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-one, is described. Catalytic ring-opening polymerization of the lactone by 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene yields polyesters with molar masses up to 13.6 kg mol^-1 and pendent vinyl side chains that can undergo post-polymerization functionalization. The polymer has a low ceiling temperature of 138 °C, allowing for facile chemical recycling, and is inherently biodegradable under aerobic aqueous conditions (OECD-301B protocol). These results show that a well-defined polyester can be derived from CO₂, olefins and hydrogen, expanding access to new polymer feedstocks that were once considered unfeasible.

Electroless deposition of copper nanoparticles integrates polydopamine coating on reverse osmosis membranes for efficient biofouling mitigation

In this study, highly antimicrobial CuNPs were integrated into a hydrophilic polydopamine (PDA) coating and immobilized on a RO TFC membrane via a mild and facile reduction approach to form a stable and durable dual-functional layer. Based on the XDLVO analysis, the introduction of PDA increased the membrane-foulant total interaction energy (ΔG_mwf) to 14.13 mJ/m², resulting in improved anti-adhesive properties as demonstrated by a 37% decrease in BSA adsorption for the modified membranes. The well dispersed and high loadings of CuNPs induced by PDA conferred strong bacterial toxicity to the modified membranes, reducing the viability of E. coli by 76%. Furthermore, the presence of catechol groups on PDA favors the formation of covalent bond with CuNPs, thus prolonging the durability of the copper-based anti-biofouling membranes. The combination of PDA coating and CuNPs functionalization imparts the membrane with simultaneous anti-adhesive and anti-microbial properties, leading to a substantial reduction in biofouling propensity in dynamic biofouling experiments. Specifically, the flux decline due to biofouling observed for the modified membranes significantly decreased from 65% to 39%, and biofilm thickness and TOC biomass were 58%, and 55% lower, respectively. This study provides a facile and versatile strategy to construct high performance RO membranes with excellent anti-biofouling functionality.

A comprehensive review on facemask manufacturing, testing, and its environmental impacts

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is currently the biggest threat to human lives due to its rapid transmission rate causing severe damage to human health and economy. The transmission of viral diseases can be minimized at its early stages with proper planning and preventive practices. The use of facemask has proved to be most effective measure to curb the spread of virus along with social distancing and good hygiene practices. This necessitates more research on facemask technology to increase its filtration efficiencies and proper disposal, which can be accelerated with knowledge of the current manufacturing process and recent research in this field. This review article provides an overview of the importance of facemask, fundamentals of nonwoven fabrics, and its manufacturing process. It also covers topics related to recent research reported for improved facemask efficiencies and testing methods to evaluate the performance of facemask. The plastic waste associated with the facemask and measures to minimize its effect are also briefly described. A systematic understanding is given in order to trigger future research in this field to ensure that we are well equipped for any future pandemic.

Loading of Polydimethylsiloxane with a Human ApoB-Derived Antimicrobial Peptide to Prevent Bacterial Infections

Background: medical device-induced infections affect millions of lives worldwide and innovative preventive strategies are urgently required. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) appear as ideal candidates to efficiently functionalize medical devices surfaces and prevent bacterial infections. In this scenario, here, we produced antimicrobial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by loading this polymer with an antimicrobial peptide identified in human apolipoprotein B, r(P)ApoB_L^Pro. Methods: once obtained loaded PDMS, its structure, anti-infective properties, ability to release the peptide, stability, and biocompatibility were evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy, water contact angle measurements, broth microdilution method, time-killing kinetic assays, quartz crystal microbalance analyses, MTT assays, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Results: PDMS was loaded with r(P)ApoB_L^Pro peptide which was found to be present not only in the bulk matrix of the polymer but also on its surface. ApoB-derived peptide was found to retain its antimicrobial properties once loaded into PDMS and the antimicrobial material was found to be stable upon storage at 4 °C for a prolonged time interval. A gradual and significant release (70% of the total amount) of the peptide from PDMS was also demonstrated upon 400 min incubation and the antimicrobial material was found to be endowed with anti-adhesive properties and with the ability to prevent biofilm attachment. Furthermore, PDMS loaded with r(P)ApoB_L^Pro peptide was found not to affect the viability of eukaryotic cells. Conclusions: an easy procedure to functionalize PDMS with r(P)ApoB_L^Pro peptide has been here developed and the obtained functionalized material has been found to be stable, antimicrobial, and biocompatible.

A Review on Antibacterial Silk Fibroin-based Biomaterials: Current State and Prospects

Bacterial contamination of biomaterials is a common problem and a serious threat to human health worldwide. Therefore, the development of multifunctional biomaterials that possess antibacterial properties and can resist infection is a continual goal for biomedical applications. Silk fibroin (SF), approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a biomaterial, is one of the most widely studied natural polymers for biomedical applications due to its unique mechanical properties, biocompatibility, tunable biodegradation, and versatile material formats. In the last decade, many methods have been employed for the development of antibacterial SF-based biomaterials (SFBs) such as physical loading or chemical functionalization of SFBs with different antibacterial agents and bio-inspired surface modifications. In this review, we first describe the current understanding of the composition and structure-properties relationship of SF as a leading-edge biomaterial. Then we demonstrate the different antibacterial agents and methods implemented for the development of bactericidal SFBs, their mechanisms of action, and different applications. We briefly address their fabrication methods, advantages, and limitations, and finally discuss the emerging technologies and future trends in this research area.

Comparable Studies on Nanoscale Antibacterial Polymer Coatings Based on Different Coating Procedures

The antibacterial activity of different antibiotic and metal-free thin polymer coatings was investigated. The films comprised quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) based on a vinyl benzyl chloride (VBC) building block. Two monomeric QAC of different alkyl chain lengths were prepared, and then polymerized by two different polymerization processes to apply them onto Ti surfaces. At first, the polymeric layer was generated directly on the surface by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). For comparison purposes, in a classical route a copolymerization of the QAC-containing monomers with a metal adhesion mediating phosphonate (VBPOH) monomers was carried out and the Ti surfaces were coated via drop coating. The different coatings were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) illustrating a thickness in the nanomolecular range. The cytocompatibility in vitro was confirmed by both live/dead and WST-1 assay. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by two different assays (CFU and BTG, resp.,), showing for both coating processes similar results to kill bacteria on contact. These antibacterial coatings present a simple method to protect metallic devices against microbial contamination.

Poly-L-Lysine and Human Plasmatic Fibronectin Films as Proactive Coatings to Improve Implant Biointegration

The success of stable and long-term implant integration implies the promotion, control, and respect of the cell microenvironment at the site of implantation. The key is to enhance the implant–host tissue cross talk by developing interfacial strategies that guarantee an optimal and stable seal of soft tissue onto the implant, while preventing potential early and late infection. Indeed, implant rejection is often jeopardized by lack of stable tissue surrounding the biomaterial combined with infections which reduce the lifespan and increase the failure rate of implants and morbidity and account for high medical costs. Thin films formed by the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes are particularly versatile and attractive for applications involving cell–material contact. With the combination of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin (Fn, purified from human plasma) and poly-L-lysine (PLL, exhibiting specific chain lengths), we proposed proactive and biomimetic coatings able to guarantee enhanced cell attachment and exhibiting antimicrobial properties. Fn, able to create a biomimetic interface that could enhance cell attachment and promote extracellular cell matrix remodeling, is incorporated as the anionic polymer during film construction by the LbL technic whereas PLL is used as the cationic polymer for its capacity to confer remarkable antibacterial properties.

Factors mediating Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm formation: Opportunities for developing therapeutics

•

A. baumannii rapidly acquires antimicrobial resistance and causes biofilm associated infections.

•

Strategies to target intrinsic factors mediating A. baumannii biofilm formation offer therapeutic prospects.

•

Antimicrobial polymers and coating medical devices with antibiofilm agents may prevent biofilm associated infections.

•

Biofilm matrix or regulatory mechanisms such as quorum sensing are potential targets for treating chronic infections.

•

Phage therapy, photodynamic therapy and nanoparticle therapy are novel promising approaches for treating biofilm associated infections.

Acinetobacter baumannii has notably become a superbug due to its mounting risk of infection and escalating rates of antimicrobial resistance, including colistin, the last-resort antibiotic. Its propensity to form biofilm on biotic and abiotic surfaces has contributed to the majority of nosocomial infections. Bacterial cells in biofilms are resistant to antibiotics and host immune response, and pose challenges in treatment. Therefore current scenario urgently requires the development of novel therapeutic strategies for successful treatment outcomes. This article provides a holistic understanding of sequential events and regulatory mechanisms directing A. baumannii biofilm formation. Understanding the key factors functioning and regulating the biofilm machinery of A. baumannii will provide us insight to develop novel approaches to combat A. baumannii infections. Further, the review article deliberates promising strategies for the prevention of biofilm formation on medically relevant substances and potential therapeutic strategies for the eradication of preformed biofilms which can help tackle biofilm-associated A. baumannii infections. Advances in emerging therapeutic opportunities such as phage therapy, nanoparticle therapy and photodynamic therapy are also discussed to comprehend the current scenario and future outlook for the development of successful treatment against biofilm-associated A. baumannii infections.

Enhancement of Antiviral Effect of Plastic Film against SARS-CoV-2: Combining Nanomaterials and Nanopatterns with Scalability for Mass Manufacturing

Direct contact with contaminated surfaces in frequently accessed areas is a confirmed transmission mode of SARS-CoV-2. To address this challenge, we have developed novel plastic films with enhanced effectiveness for deactivating the SARS-CoV-2 by means of nanomaterials combined with nanopatterns. Results prove that these functionalized films are able to deactivate SARS-CoV-2 by up to 2 orders of magnitude within the first hour compared to untreated films, thus reducing the likelihood of transmission. Nanopatterns can enhance the antiviral effectiveness by increasing the contact area between nanoparticles and virus. Significantly, the established process also considers the issue of scalability for mass manufacturing. A low-cost process for nanostructured antiviral films integrating ultrasonic atomization spray coating and thermal nanoimprinting lithography is proposed. A further in-depth investigation should consider the size, spacing, and shape of nanopillars, the type and concentration of nanoparticles, and the scale-up and integration of these processes with manufacturing for optimal antiviral effectiveness.

A synergy between dopamine and electrostatically bound bactericide in a poly (vinyl alcohol) hybrid hydrogel for treating infected wounds

Antibacterial hydrogels have emerged as viable options for battling infections associated with impaired wound healing. It is challenging in developing antibacterial hydrogels that have sustained and stable bactericidal activity while avoiding the use of any agents that may adversely affect safety. In view of this concern, a multi-functional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sodium alginate-dopamine (SA-DA) hydrogel matrix-based wound dressing embedding with bis-quaternary triphenyl-phosphonium salt (BTPP⁺), that would present long-term intrinsic antimicrobial properties was developed using freeze-thawing (F-T) method herein. DA endows the hydrogel with efficient bacteria capture ability and subsequently the captured bacterial pathogens were in situ killed by electrostatically bound BTPP⁺, and hence significantly augmented the antibacterial efficacy. Furthermore, DA, co-operating with BTPP⁺ could promote erythrocyte and platelet aggregation on hydrogels, which ensures hydrogels with improved hemostasis capacity. Thus, this investigation provides a feasible simple avenue for development of long-term intrinsic antimicrobial hydrogel dressings with efficient hemostasis efficacy for infected wounds.

Antiviral Polymers Based on N-Halamine Polyurea

N-halamines are a commonly applied class of antimicrobial agents used for a variety of applications relating to human health. Here, we present the modulation of the common polymers polyurea and polyguanidine with the N-halamine technology. The N-H bonds in either polymer were converted to N-Cl or N-Br bonds capable of releasing Cl⁺ or Br⁺ cations to aqueous media as antiviral agents. Controlled release of the oxidizing agents was monitored for a period of 4 weeks. Antiviral activity was evaluated against the T4 bacteriophage as well as against the highly stable plant virus belonging to the Tobamovirus genus, tomato brown rugose fruit virus. The incorporation of the N-halamine technology on commonly used polymers has effectively introduced antiviral functionality for a wide variety of potential applications.

Promising strategies to control persistent enemies: Some new technologies to combat biofilm in the food industry-A review

Biofilm is an advanced form of protection that allows bacterial cells to withstand adverse environmental conditions. The complex structure of biofilm results from genetic-related mechanisms besides other factors such as bacterial morphology or substratum properties. Inhibition of biofilm formation of harmful bacteria (spoilage and pathogenic bacteria) is a critical task in the food industry because of the enhanced resistance of biofilm bacteria to stress, such as cleaning and disinfection methods traditionally used in food processing plants, and the increased food safety risks threatening consumer health caused by recurrent contamination and rapid deterioration of food by biofilm cells. Therefore, it is urgent to find methods and strategies for effectively combating bacterial biofilm formation and eradicating mature biofilms. Innovative and promising approaches to control bacteria and their biofilms are emerging. These new approaches range from methods based on natural ingredients to the use of nanoparticles. This literature review aims to describe the efficacy of these strategies and provide an overview of recent promising biofilm control technologies in the food processing sector.

Engineered Bioactive Polymeric Surfaces by Radiation Induced Graft Copolymerization: Strategies and Applications

The interest in developing antimicrobial surfaces is currently surging with the rise in global infectious disease events. Radiation-induced graft copolymerization (RIGC) is a powerful technique enabling permanent tunable and desired surface modifications imparting antimicrobial properties to polymer substrates to prevent disease transmission and provide safer biomaterials and healthcare products. This review aims to provide a broader perspective of the progress taking place in strategies for designing various antimicrobial polymeric surfaces using RIGC methods and their applications in medical devices, healthcare, textile, tissue engineering and food packing. Particularly, the use of UV, plasma, electron beam (EB) and γ-rays for biocides covalent immobilization to various polymers surfaces including nonwoven fabrics, films, nanofibers, nanocomposites, catheters, sutures, wound dressing patches and contact lenses is reviewed. The different strategies to enhance the grafted antimicrobial properties are discussed with an emphasis on the emerging approach of in-situ formation of metal nanoparticles (NPs) in radiation grafted substrates. The current applications of the polymers with antimicrobial surfaces are discussed together with their future research directions. It is expected that this review would attract attention of researchers and scientists to realize the merits of RIGC in developing timely, necessary antimicrobial materials to mitigate the fast-growing microbial activities and promote hygienic lifestyles.

Water-soluble polycarbodiimides and their cytotoxic and antifungal properties

We have successfully synthesized water-soluble neutral and polyelectrolyte helical polycarbodiimides and studied their biological properties. These polymers were prepared by decorating carbodiimide backbones with nonionic, hydrophilic functional groups such as dimethylamine, piperazine, and morpholine. Additionally, the 3° amines present in these functional groups were quaternized using methyl iodide as the alkylating agent to produce their ionic analogs. Polycarbodiimides were chosen as the base polymer used because of their facile chemical modification, pH tolerance in terms of both their helical conformations and degradation behaviors, and tunable helical inversion barriers. Hydrophilic side groups, such as morpholine, dimethylamine, and piperazine, can be used to balance the amphiphilic architecture of the polycarbodiimides along with lipophilic groups, such as alkyl side chains. A chiral R or S BINOL Ti(IV) isopropoxide catalyst was used to control the handedness of the polycarbodiimide helices in these studies. These ionic and neutral polycarbodiimides were subsequently studied for potential antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. Poly[N-methyl-N'-2-morpholinoethylcarbodiimide], as an example, exhibited significant antifungal properties against Candida albicans. Also, Poly[N-methyl-N'-2-morpholinoethylcarbodiimide] showed significant inhibition of biofilm formation. This suggests that the polymer is a promising candidate for antifungal biomedical applications. Measuring cytotoxicity against urinary bladder cancer cells, poly[N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl)]-N'-[3-(morpholino)propyl]carbodiimide] (S-cat) and poly[N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl)]-N'-[3-(morpholino)propyl]carbodiimide]-MeI (S-cat) showed significantly low IC₅₀ values. The IC₅₀ values of poly[N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl)]-N'-[3-(morpholino)propyl]carbodiimide] (S-cat) and Poly[N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl)]-N'-[3-(morpholino)propyl]carbodiimide]-MeI (S-cat) are 3.50 μM and 1.27 μM, respectively. The significantly low cancer cell growth inhibition concentration implies the highest cytotoxicity of the polymers, suggesting potential applications as cancer therapeutics. These results also showed that the functionalization and chirality of polycarbodiimides modulate their anticancer and antifungal activity.