The rapid increase in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, combined with a dwindling rate of discovery of novel antibiotic molecules, has created an alarming issue worldwide. Although the occurrence of resistance in microbes is a natural process, the overuse of antibiotics is known to increase the rate of resistance evolution. Under antibiotic treatment, susceptible bacteria inevitably die, while resistant microorganisms proliferate under reduced competition. Therefore, the out-of-control use of antibiotics eliminates drug-susceptible species that would naturally limit the expansion of resistant species. In addition, the ability of many microbial species to grow as a biofilm has further complicated the treatment of infections with conventional antibiotics. A number of corrective measures are currently being explored to reverse or slow antibiotic resistance evolution, Among which one of the most promising solutions is the development of polymer-based antimicrobial compounds. In this Special Issue, different polymer systems able to prevent or treat biofilm formation, including cationic polymers, antibacterial peptide-mimetic polymers, polymers or composites able to load and release bioactive molecules, and antifouling polymers able to repel microbes by physical or chemical mechanisms are reported. Their applications in the design and fabrication of medical devices, in food packaging, and as drug carriers is investigated.

The rapid increase in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, combined with a dwindling rate of discovery of novel antibiotic molecules, has created an alarming issue worldwide. Although the occurrence of resistance in microbes is a natural process, the overuse of antibiotics is known to increase the rate of resistance evolution. Under antibiotic treatment, susceptible bacteria inevitably die, while resistant microorganisms proliferate under reduced competition. Therefore, the out-of-control use of antibiotics eliminates drug-susceptible species that would naturally limit the expansion of resistant species. In addition, the ability of many microbial species to grow as a biofilm has further complicated the treatment of infections with conventional antibiotics. A number of corrective measures are currently being explored to reverse or slow antibiotic resistance evolution, Among which one of the most promising solutions is the development of polymer-based antimicrobial compounds. In this Special Issue, different polymer systems able to prevent or treat biofilm formation, including cationic polymers, antibacterial peptide-mimetic polymers, polymers or composites able to load and release bioactive molecules, and antifouling polymers able to repel microbes by physical or chemical mechanisms are reported. Their applications in the design and fabrication of medical devices, in food packaging, and as drug carriers is investigated.

Provides an extensive and up-to-date overview of the theory and application of computational pharmaceutics in the drug development process Exploring Computational Pharmaceutics - AI and Modeling in Pharma 4.0 introduces a variety of current and emerging computational techniques for pharmaceutical research. Bringing together experts from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies, this edited volume also explores the current state, key challenges, and future outlook of computational pharmaceutics while encouraging development across all sectors of the field. Throughout the text, the authors discuss a wide range of essential topics, from molecular modeling and process simulation to intelligent manufacturing and quantitative pharmacology. Building upon Exploring Computational Pharmaceutics - AI and Modeling in Pharma 4.0, this new edition provides a multi-scale perspective that reveals the physical, chemical, mathematical, and data-driven details of pre-formulation, formulation, process, and clinical studies, in addition to in vivo prediction in the human body and precision medicine in clinical settings. Detailed chapters address both conventional dosage forms and the application of computational technologies in advanced pharmaceutical research, such as dendrimer-based delivery systems, liposome and lipid membrane research, and inorganic nanoparticles. A major contribution to the development and promotion of computational pharmaceutics, this important resource: Discusses the development track, achievements, and prospects of computational pharmaceutics Presents multidisciplinary research to help physicists, chemists, mathematicians, and computer scientists locate problems in the field of drug delivery Covers a wide range of technologies, including complex formulations for water-insoluble drugs, protein/peptide formulations, nanomedicine, and gene delivery systems Focuses on the application of cutting-edge computational technologies and intelligent manufacturing of emerging pharmaceutical technologies Includes a systematic overview of computational pharmaceutics and Pharma 4.0 to assist non-specialist readers Covering introductory, advanced, and specialist topics, Exploring Computational Pharmaceutics - AI and Modeling in Pharma 4.0 is an invaluable resource for computational chemists, computational analysts, pharmaceutical chemists, process engineers, process managers, and pharmacologists, as well as computer scientists, medicinal chemists, clinical pharmacists, material scientists, and nanotechnology specialists working in the field.

Multidrug-resistant bacteria play a significant role in public health by destroying the potency of existing antibiotics. Meanwhile, cancer remains one of the most common health problems that impact society, resulting in many deaths worldwide. Novel strategies are required to combat antimicrobial resistance and create efficient anticancer drugs that could revolutionize treatment. Nanomedicine is one such innovation that plays a significant role in developing alternative and more effective treatment strategies for antimicrobial resistance and cancer theranostics. The Handbook of Research on Nano-Strategies for Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance and Cancer is an essential scholarly resource that examines (1) how to overcome the existing, traditional approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance and cancer; (2) how to apply multiple mechanisms to target the cancer cells and microbes; and (3) how the nanomaterials can be used as carriers. Featuring a range of topics such as bacteriophage, nanomedicine, and oncology, this book is ideal for molecular biologists, microbiologists, nanotechnologists, academicians, chemists, pharmacists, oncologists, researchers, healthcare professionals, and students.

The explores the cutting-edge technology of polymer coatings. It discusses fundamentals, fabrication strategies, characterization techniques, and allied applications in fields such as corrosion, food, pharmaceutical, biomedical systems and electronics. It also discusses a few new innovative self-healing, antimicrobial and superhydrophobic polymer coatings. Current industrial applications and possible potential activities are also discussed.

The vast array of libraries in the world bear mute witness to the truth of the 3000-year-old observation of King Solomon who stated " ... of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh." Yet books are an essential written record of our lives and the progress of science and humanity. Here is another book to add to this huge collection, but, hopefully, not just another collection of pages, but rather a book with a specific purpose to aid in alleviating the "weariness of the flesh" that could arise from much studying of other journals and books in order to obtain the basic information contained herein. This book is about polymeric materials and biological activity, as the title notes. Polymeric materials, in the broad view taken here, would include not only synthetic polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyesters, polyamides, etc.), but also the natural macromolecules (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides) which compose natural tissues in humans, animals and plants. In the broad sense used here, biological activity is any type of such action whether it be in medication, pest control, plant-growth regu lation, and so on. In short, this book attempts to consider, briefly, the use of any type of polymeric material system with essentially any kind of biological activity.

We are surrounded by polymers: Whether it's to prepare a meal, use computer keyboards and mousepads, or step onto a new playground, you'll encounter a plastic product made of polymers. Owing to the extraordinary range of properties accessible in polymeric materials, they play an essential and ubiquitous role in everyday life - from plastics and elastomers on the one hand to natural biopolymers such as DNA and proteins that are essential for life on the other. This desktop and library reference book provides a comprehensive yet concise overview of the materials, manufacture, structure and architecture, properties, processing, and applications of withing the field of polymers. The book offers a unique mix of theory and application, the essential personal reference for anyone studying or working within the field of polymers.