Design and Characterization of Bio-inspired Antimicrobial Nanomaterials

Authors

  • Mahsa Zabara Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
  • Linda Hong Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
  • Stefan Salentinig Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland;, Email: stefan.salentinig@unifr.ch

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2020.674

PMID:

32958103

Keywords:

Antimicrobial peptide, Liquid crystals, Nanocarriers, Nanostructured coatings, Self-assembly

Abstract

Colloidal structures are crucial components in biological systems and provide a vivid and seemingly infinite source of inspiration for the design of functional bio-inspired materials. They form multi-dimensional confinements and shape living matter, and transport and protect bioactive molecules in harsh biological environments such as the stomach. Recently, colloidal nanostructures based on natural antimicrobial peptides have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. This contribution summarizes the recent progress in the understanding and design of these bio-inspired antimicrobial nanomaterials, and discusses their advances in the form of dispersions and as surface coatings. Their potential for applications in future food and healthcare materials is also highlighted. Further, it discusses challenges in the characterization of structure and dynamics in these materials.

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Published

2020-09-30

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