Polymer and its nanocomposites as an antimicrobial coating for medical devices and implants

The resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antimicrobial agents is one of the most important health problems today. Implants and medical devices increase the quality of life while ensuring the continuation of human life. Contamination of implantable medical devices, such as pacemaker electrodes, dental implants, knee and hip implants, and catheters with microorganisms affects both the health and quality of life of the patient. Contamination of medical instruments with microorganisms can cause serious local and systemic infections, in addition, it limits the functionality and life of the device. The development of new forms of biocidal compounds that are both safe and cost-effective, containing natural and inorganic components that are effective against microorganisms, is also critical for medical devices and implants. Polymers and antimicrobial-added nano-polymer composites are widely used in many areas, especially in hospitals, biocompatible implants, the toy industry, food production and packaging, and the medical device industry. The antimicrobial effects of synthetic and natural polymers and the composites formed by these polymers with nanomaterials are indispensable for use in the medical field. The development and improvement of antimicrobial polymer nanocomposites is one of the key research topics in antimicrobial medicinal polymers. In the chapter, antimicrobial effective polymers used in medical devices and implants and nanocomposites of these polymers will be discussed.