Molecularly imprinted polymers as next-generation weapons against the AMR crisis

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), referred to as the “Silent Pandemic”, has become a massive threat to public health of the current and next generations. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have emerged as a possible tool to fight AMR, due to their unique features, such as high affinity and specificity for relevant targets, easy manufacturing and good stability in physiological conditions. This review explores recent developments in combating AMR using MIPs as antibiotic drug carriers, using polymers for targeting components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, blocking cell signalling by capturing quorum-sensing molecules, or binding alarmone nucleotide molecules.