Antimicrobial Polymers: Mechanisms of Action and Applications in Combating Antibiotic Resistance

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a catastrophic threat to global health, necessitating innovative alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial polymers (AMPs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their broad-spectrum activity, reduced resistance development, and multifunctionality. This review comprehensively examines the mechanisms of action of AMPs—including membrane disruption, intracellular targeting, and biofilm inhibition—and their applications in medical devices, coatings, wound dressings, and drug delivery systems. Challenges such as toxicity, environmental impact, and scalability are critically evaluated, alongside future directions for clinical translation. The integration of AMPs into antimicrobial stewardship strategies offers a viable pathway to mitigate AMR.