Multifunctional Biomaterials for Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Applications in Infection Therapy

The field of biomaterials has recently emerged at the forefront of efforts to address the mounting crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the persistent threat of biofilm-associated infections in clinical settings. Conventional antibiotic interventions often prove ineffective against biofilms—structured bacterial communities that offer shelter from both immune responses and antimicrobial agents. Despite advancements in antibiotic development, chronic and implant-related infections caused by these resilient biofilms remain a major challenge, leading to frequent treatment failures and recurrent disease. Recent studies have identified that the bacterial extracellular polymeric matrix and the presence of dormant persister cells are central to both biofilm durability and drug tolerance. This has intensified the search for alternative strategies, beyond traditional pharmacology, that exploit material-based approaches to prevent bacterial adhesion, disrupt biofilms, and deliver targeted antimicrobial therapy. However, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding the comprehensive mechanisms by which engineered materials can actively intervene in the biofilm lifecycle and promote host tissue integration, highlighting an urgent need for more innovative, multifunctional solutions.

This Research Topic aims to accelerate the development, evaluation, and clinical translation of novel multifunctional biomaterials designed explicitly for antibacterial and anti-biofilm applications in infection therapy. The primary objectives are to investigate how the convergence of material science, synthetic biology, and microbiology can generate robust platforms that actively prevent biofilm establishment, eradicate existing microbial communities, and promote simultaneous tissue regeneration. Specific aims include elucidating the mechanisms driving biofilm disruption or bacterial inactivation by engineered materials, optimizing strategies for localized and stimuli-responsive antimicrobial delivery, and establishing principles for integrating bioactivity with biocompatibility. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research, this topic strives to offer new paradigms for addressing AMR and persistent infections, seeking articles that answer key questions regarding the efficacy, safety, and clinical feasibility of these advanced biomaterials.

The scope of this Research Topic encompasses both fundamental and translational studies focusing on the design, characterization, and application of multifunctional biomaterials aimed at combating biofilm-associated infections and AMR. Submissions should remain within the boundaries of materials development, mechanistic research, and preclinical evaluation, without extending to unrelated aspects of infectious disease therapy. To gather further insights in this area, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Innovative strategies for synthesizing antimicrobial and anti-biofilm biomaterials, including nano- and composite materials
o Fundamental and advanced studies elucidating mechanisms of biofilm disruption, bacterial inactivation, and interference with microbial signaling pathways
o Development and assessment of smart, stimuli-responsive materials for targeted antimicrobial delivery at infection sites
o Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo evaluations of anti-infective efficacy and biocompatibility for new biomaterials
o Integrated approaches combining biomaterials with antibiotics, peptides, or alternative therapeutics to enhance efficacy and reduce resistance
o Investigations of host responses, immune modulation, and tissue regeneration associated with novel biomaterial platforms
o Reviews and perspectives on regulatory, manufacturing, and clinical translation challenges for anti-infective biomaterials
Appendix: We invite original research articles, mini-reviews, methodological studies, and perspectives relevant to the aforementioned themes.