Plant and animal-based bioderived materials: A review of their antimicrobial mechanisms and applications

Bioderived materials for antimicrobial applications have attracted great attention in recent years. These materials are promising due to their innate biocompatibility and biodegradability. Their varied modes of antimicrobial activity prevent the increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which has been a threat to healthcare worldwide. The utilization of these abundantly available materials presents compelling economic and environmental benefits, further enhancing their appeal. This review examines recent progress in the antimicrobial applications of materials derived from biological sources since 2018. Plant-derived materials such as lignin, cellulose, and curcumin are examined alongside animal-derived ones like chitosan, eggshell membranes, and silk fibroins. The focus of this article is to elucidate the mechanisms of antimicrobial action against various bacterial and fungal species. Bioderived materials and their composites are reported to have high antimicrobial ability against over 50 species. The versatility of their functional groups is illustrated, and their combination with other antimicrobial materials and synthesis into various forms is explored. The article ends with a summary of the wide range of applications of this class of materials, from agriculture to wound dressings and offers perspectives on future research directions. By offering a comprehensive view of the current landscape of bioderived materials in the field of antimicrobials, this article aims to help researchers to identify impactable directions.