Antimicrobial nanocomposites

Modern industry has an increasing requirement for new materials with specific properties. Over the last few years, many studies have used new technology with the intention of obtaining nanomaterials which display specific functionality. Antimicrobial nanocomposites are multiphase materials that inhibit microbial development and are desirable for various everyday applications, such as food packaging, water management and medical use. Polymer-metal nanocomposites have specific applications related to their unique properties this important area of nanoscience offers multidisciplinary methods to provide materials for the fields of physical, chemical and materials science in conjunction with areas such as engineering and topology [1]. 

Yadav, S.K., Mahapatra, S.S., Cho, J.W., 2012. Synthesis of mechanically robust antimicrobial nanocomposites by click coupling of hyperbranched polyurethane and carbon nano tubes. Polymer (Guildford) 53, 2023-2031. http //dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2012.03.010. 

The oldest and still intensely used biocidal materials release silver ions. Variations in the design of such materials is still the subject of the majority of publications on antimicrobial coatings. The designs cover sparingly soluble silver salts [87], silver nanoparticles [88], silver nanocomposites [89], and elemental silver coatings [32], The release of the silver ions and of other biocides is controlled by the encapsulating matrix, the solubility of the compound, and the material/medium equilibrium constant. 

Balogh, L., Swanson, D.R., Tomalia, D. A., Hagnauer, G.L., and McManus, A.T. 2001. Dendrimer-silver complexes and nanocomposites as antimicrobial agents. Nano Letters, 1 18-21. 

Rhim, J.-W., Hong, S.-I., Park, H.-W., and Ng, P. K. W. (2006). Preparation and characterization of chitosan-based nanocomposite films with antimicrobial activity. J. Agric. Food Chem. 54,5814-5822. 

Folymer-metal Nanocomposites with Antimicrobial Activity... 

Recent studies have explored different mechanisms of antimicrobial action by designing hybrid nanomaterials that provide a new approach to killing microbes. One option employs a low-cost methodology to prepare nanosized copper-PANI nanocomposite materials with enhanced antibacterial and antifungal properties. Copper oxide nanocrystals immobilised in a PANI matrix coated onto fabrics for the improvement of antimicrobial activity could be an excellent application in coating technology. 

Antimicrobial CS-silver nanocomposites are also potentially new and exciting antimicrobial agents against varions pathogens. CS-silver nanocomposites, either in the form of silver NP or as ionic dendritic strnctures (Ag ) can be easily synthesised by a simple and environmentally friendly in situ chemical reduction process and could be efficient antimicrobial agents. Below specific critical concentrations, the collective action of silver NP and Ag " ions facilitate enhanced and synergistic antibacterial activity. 

CS-metal/alumina complexed nanocomposites could be promising candidates for antimicrobial agents in the cosmetic, food and textile industries. Quaternised CS and CS-iodine could be future materials with enhanced biocidal properties. Improving our understanding of antimicrobial mechanisms will enable the continued design of new biocidal polymers, which is necessary in order to combat the development of microbial resistance. 

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