Issue 18, 2018

Supramolecular hydrogels for antimicrobial therapy

Abstract

The emergence of drug-resistant microbes has become a threat to global health, and microbial infections severely limit the use of healthcare materials. To achieve efficient antimicrobial therapy, supramolecular hydrogels demonstrate unprecedented advantages in medical applications due to the tunable and reversible nature of their supramolecular interactions and the capability of hydrogels to incorporate various therapeutic agents. Herein, antimicrobial hydrogels are categorized according to their inherent antimicrobial properties or based on their roles in encapsulating antimicrobial materials. Moreover, strategies to further enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of hydrogels are highlighted, such as the incorporation of antifouling agents or the enabling of response towards physiological cues. We envision that supramolecular hydrogels, in combination with modern medical technology and devices, will contribute to the development of efficient and safe systems for antimicrobial therapy.

Graphical abstract: Supramolecular hydrogels for antimicrobial therapy

Article information

Article type
Tutorial Review
Submitted
11 Feb 2018
First published
26 Apr 2018

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2018,47, 6917-6929

Supramolecular hydrogels for antimicrobial therapy

B. Hu, C. Owh, P. L. Chee, W. R. Leow, X. Liu, Y. Wu, P. Guo, X. J. Loh and X. Chen, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2018, 47, 6917 DOI: 10.1039/C8CS00128F

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