Intrinsic Antimicrobial Resistance: Molecular Biomaterials to Combat Microbial Biofilms and Bacterial Persisters

The rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and a declining arsenal of antibiotics pose significant threats to global public health. Biofilms and persistent infections are common, and conventional antibiotics often fail to treat these infections. Novel therapeutics are being designed to address AMR, biofilms, and persister-associated complex infections. Biomaterial approaches, including semi-synthetic antibiotics, macromolecular biomaterials, nano-therapeutics, nitric oxide-releasing antimicrobials, antimicrobial hydrogels, and antimicrobial coatings, are being explored for future design.