Polymer-Based Nanomaterials Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Currently, there are major developments in the fields of medicine and biomedical engineering to mitigate the spreading of resistant bacteria and the development of bacterial biofilm; yet, challenges remain and many polymer-based opportunities are still to uncover. This important and complex problem, inherent to our society, is derived from the misuse and/or excessive use of antibiotics, allowing for several human pathogens to become resistant to conventional therapeutics. Hence, leading to the outbreak of multiple drug-resistant bacteria (MDRB). In the last few years, innovative treatment alternatives based on polymeric nanomaterials have emerged from nanofibers, nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and nanohydrogels that can be made up of natural and/or synthetic polymers. Their elevated drug loading capacity, various types of stimuli responsiveness, and smart targeting can increase local drug concentration, enlarging the efficient delivery of antimicrobial agents and reducing bacterial resistance. The present chapter explores new and improved polymer-based nanotechnology strategies and approaches with potential to circumvent antimicrobial resistance of MDRB, highlighting their mechanisms of action and valuable applications.