Antimicrobial properties of (meth)acrylate based hydrogels

Abstract

The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens is becoming an imminent global public health problem. The development of novel antimicrobial materials aiming to prevent or control infections caused by these pathogens is a very important issue. Polymeric hydrogels are versatile materials, which can be a great alternative to conventional treatments of infections. Because of its high hydrophilicity, unique threedimensional network, fine biocompatibility, and cell adhesion, the hydrogels are suitable biomaterials for drug delivery in antimicrobial areas. The biocompatible nature of hydrogels makes them a convenient starting platform to develop selectively active antimicrobial materials. Hydrogels with antimicrobial properties can be designed by loading of known antimicrobial agents, or the material itself can be designed to possess inherent antimicrobial activity. The combination of polymeric hydrogels based on (meth)acrylate with metal ions (Ag, Cu, and Zn) is a simple and effective approach for obtaining multicomponent systems with diversefunctionalities. Silver (Ag+), copper (Cu2+), and zinc (Zn2+) ions have been loaded into hydrogels for antimicrobial applications. The incorporation of metal ions into hydrogels not only enhances the antimicrobial activity of hydrogels but also influences their swelling and release characteristics. Herein, we summarize recent findings in (meth)acrylate hydrogels containing metal ions with antimicrobial properties.