Antimicrobial nanomaterials: synthesis, characterization and applications (3 CFU)

Course duration: February-March
Teacher: prof. Giacomo Dacarro
Course content: 
The course will examine new perspectives in the use of nanomaterials with an antibacterial, antimicrobial and antimicotic effect. 
The introductory lessons will give an overview of the problems caused by microbial infections, with a particular focus on the sever threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The main advantages of antimicrobial nanomaterials over traditional antimicrobial drugs will also be described. 
We will examine the different types if inorganic and organic nanomaterials with antimicrobial activity, describing the main synthetic pathways, the characterization techniques, their antimicrobial effects and the main applications. 
Regarding the main applications, the course will overview all the fields that can benefit of the use of nanomaterials with antimicrobial effect: 
- Antimicrobial coatings: surface functionalization for medical devices (prostheses, catheters) and implants for infection prevention. 
- Wound healing and advanced wound dressing: nanostructured hydrogels, bandages and patches for chronical and infected wound treatment. 
- Nanocarriers for controlled drug release: using nanomaterials as antibiotic carriers, improving efficiency and reducing size effects (synergic therapies). 
- Disinfection and sanitization: hospital and industrial applications for surface and water decontamination. 
- Other applications: active food packaging and antimicrobial agents in cosmetics. 
Exam: “case study” presentation. Power point presentation and discussion.