CHAPTER 15: Future Perspectives and Concluding Remarks

Previous chapters of this book gather basically together natural or synthetic antimicrobial polymeric systems based on quaternary ammonium or phosphonium structures, the synthesis of mimic antimicrobial peptides, the use of guanidine-based polymers and others for papermaker industry, the halamine-based polymers and others for textile and clothing medical industry, the formation of polymeric complexes, especially those with silver, and their mode of action against microorganisms, antimicrobial polyurethanes mainly focuses in medical devices, antimicrobial acrylic systems among others for dental applications, the incorporation of natural products with antimicrobial and virucidal activities, as well as the use of nanotechnology for these hunted properties, including the incorporation of nanocarbon materials, e.g. graphene, metals such as copper or metallic oxides based on copper, zinc or titanium. These systems present multiples possibilities to achieve desired antimicrobial properties. In this final chapter, we would like to incorporate approaches different than those previously presented, such as those based on nitric oxide, polyanions, conjugated polymers and the combination of different methodologies to create a synergetic effect. Moreover, the possible relation between the pathogenic infections with neurodegenerative diseases is exposed for readers to be aware of how broad the antimicrobial systems field is and of our responsibility of making them reliable.