Recent Progress in Stimuli-Responsive Antimicrobial Electrospun Nanofibers.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electrospun nanofibrous membranes possess unique properties like high surface area and porosity, making them suitable for antimicrobial applications.
• Incorporating stimuli-responsive features enhances the versatility and targeted delivery of antimicrobial agents in these membranes.
• Existing research focuses on developing smart nanofibers with tunable responses to various external triggers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review pivotal advancements in stimuli-responsive antimicrobial electrospun nanofibers.
• To elucidate strategies for designing smart nanofibers with antimicrobial properties.
• To discuss recent progress in single- and multi-stimuli-triggered nanofiber systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on stimuli-responsive antimicrobial electrospun nanofibers.
• Categorization of nanofibers based on triggering stimuli (light, temperature, pH, humidity, electric field).
• Analysis of different polymer and antimicrobial agent combinations.

Main Results:

• Significant progress in stimuli-responsive antimicrobial electrospun nanofibers triggered by single and multiple stimuli.
• Examples of diverse polymer-based nanofibers with tailored antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms.
• Demonstration of sustained release of antimicrobial agents from nanofibrous membranes.

Conclusions:

• Stimuli-responsive electrospun nanofibers represent a promising platform for advanced antimicrobial strategies.
• Further research into material constraints and future directions is crucial for industrial utilization.
• These smart materials offer potential for broader applications and enhanced antimicrobial efficacy.