A Systematic Review of Different Classes of Biopolymers and Their Use as Antimicrobial Agents
Jino Affrald R, Shoba Narayan
Abstract
This review provides an understanding of biopolymers and its classes that is applicable for antimicrobial activity. Biocompatibility and bioactivity of biopolymers made from natural sources are unparalleled. Ethnopharmacologists, botanists, microbiologists, and natural-products chemists all look to plants for the phytochemicals and leads utilized in the treatment of infectious diseases. This review also discusses about antimicrobial peptides that penetrate microbes by destroying the membrane. Antimicrobial resistance has risen to the position of the world’s third largest cause of mortality. Bio-composites from biopolymers and reinforced with natural fibers and plant active components has indicated improved antimicrobial capabilities. Biodegradable nanocomposite films have enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Green nanoparticles produced via the process of biosynthesis using plant extracts pose a lower risk to the surrounding environment. Nanomaterials provide several benefits, including a high surface-area-to-volume ratio and better potential to interact with the membranes and cell walls of pathogens. They are exceedingly small, which also makes them advantageous. Metal oxide nanoparticles have antibacterial properties, and researchers have investigated how that relates to mechanism of photogenerated reactive oxygen species. This review focuses on the correlation can link the reactive oxygen generating capabilities of nanoparticle to their antibacterial activity, even though specific nanoparticles possess antimicrobial activity.