N-vinylpyrrolidone antimicrobial polymers: Current trends and emerging perspectives

Antimicrobial polymers represent a promising class of materials with inimitable features for fighting infections caused due to microorganisms. Antimicrobial polymers are synthesized using various monomers. N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) is one of such monomers known for its biocompatibility which has received lots of attention due to its low cytotoxicity and high hydrophilicity. It is widely used in biomedical field, food packaging and surface coatings, etc. In this review, an overview on the synthesis of NVP polymers, antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms, mechanism of action of antimicrobial activity and applicability of synthesized polymers in various sectors are discussed. The plausible mechanism of inhibiting the bacteria is due to the electrostatic interaction between negatively charged bacteria and positively charged polymeric chain leading to disruption of cell membrane or due to the adsorption of polymers onto the surface of bacteria that results in leakage of cytoplasmic constituent leading to cell death. Also, the polymer coated surfaces can kill the bacteria upon contact (contact-killing).