Antifungal polymers for medical applications

Abstract

Fungi-associated infections are very common diseases in humans, and these have increased in immunocompromised population and hospitalized patients. Fungi grow almost in any environment, and they reproduce easily in dirt and wet spaces, and thus, the development of antifungal materials is focused on avoiding fungal infections or inhibiting growth. Polymers used for medical devices are susceptible to microorganism adhesion. Therefore, they have been treated and modified for the inhibition of fungi growth. There are two pathways to deal with these microorganisms, firstly, the synthesis of versatile polymeric materials with antifouling properties, and, secondly, the development of materials for controlled fungicide release. These two approaches have been used in the crafting of food packaging. Additionally, sophisticated polymeric drug delivery systems have allowed the systematic and localized administration of fungicides reducing doses with a prolonged delivery. This general purpose has been accomplished by the synthesis of polymeric composites, grafted polymers or the modification of polymeric fungicides, by the coupling of cationic moieties on polymers, using metallic salts and nanoparticles, and by the loading of fungicides in micelles and metallic nanoparticles. Most of the materials presented on this review are still at an early stage of development. This compilation intends to be a frame of reference for researchers willing to explore this topic since clinical applications of these materials are starting to be increasingly relevant.