Recent breakthroughs of antibacterial and antiviral protective polymeric materials during COVID-19 pandemic and after pandemic: Coating, packaging, and textile applications

The global epidemic owing to COVID-19 has generated awareness to ensuring best practices for avoiding the microorganism spread. Indeed, because of the increase in infections caused by bacteria and viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, the global demand for antimicrobial materials is growing. New technologies by using polymeric systems are of great interest. Virus transmission by contaminated surfaces leads to the spread of infectious diseases, so antimicrobial coatings are significant in this regard. Moreover, antimicrobial food pack-aging is beneficial to prevent the spread of microorganisms during food processing and transportation. Furthermore, anti-microbial textiles show an effective role. We aim to provide a review of prepared antimicrobial polymeric materials for use in coating, food packaging, and textile during the COVID-19 pandemic and after pandemic.

Automated summary

The global epidemic of COVID-19 has emphasized the importance of best practices to avoid microbial spread. With the increase in infections caused by bacteria and viruses like SARS-CoV-2, there is a growing demand for antimicrobial materials, especially utilizing new technologies with polymeric systems. Antimicrobial coatings, food packaging, and textiles play significant roles in preventing the spread of microorganisms.