Exploring the antimicrobial features of biomaterials for biomedical applications

Biomaterials have revolutionized therapeutic as well as preventive healthcare. This has given impetus to the development of implants, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering scaffolds with improved functionalities. However, the quality of biomedical devices used raises concerns about the formation of biofilm and challenges in preventing device-related infections. Hence preventing bacterial colonization on implants and devices is becoming increasingly important. Bio-inspired nano-topographies fabricated on the implant surface offer a promising solution in this direction. This review describes several approaches including antimicrobial polymers, peptides, and marine extracts coated or incorporated into these devices to inhibit microbial infection. Applications of 3D and 4D printed antimicrobial biomaterials and their future perspectives are also taken into account. The mechanisms of bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation and the action of antimicrobial agents accounting for implant-associated infections are described. The advanced strategies would offer sustainable and potent antimicrobial solutions that would aid the fabrication of biomaterials for wound healing, medical implants and surgical devices.