Polyimide-based polymers: a new frontier in antimicrobial materials and healthcare applications

Figure A schematic representation depicting PI and its proposed mechanisms of antimicrobial action mediated via surface properties, such as morphology, roughness, and charge distribution effects. Surface patterns on functionalized PI materials offer fewer adhesion points to microorganisms, thus demonstrating reduced bacterial attachment. Surface roughness mediates interaction between microorganism, and the polyimide surface, triggering antimicrobial activity. Additionally, the presence of charged metal ions causes cell death due to membrane disruption, compromised structural integrity, inhibition of DNA repair and protein synthesis, suppression of virulence factors and biofilm maturation, decreased adhesion to host tissues, induction of oxidative stress, and interference with metabolic pathways. • Polyimide-based materials have emerged as versatile candidates for biomedical use. • Review highlights advances in polyimide chemistry to boost antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, mechanical stability. • This work integrates physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of existing polyimides materials. • Antimicrobial activity and their mechanism of action are comprehensively summarized. • Provides holistic insights to optimize polyimide-based materials and guide further research. Polyimide-based materials have emerged as versatile candidates due to their exceptional thermal stability, mechanical robustness, and chemical resistance. Recent research highlights their antimicrobial, antifouling, and biocompatible properties, offering promising solutions for infection control and device safety. These materials inhibit microbial growth on surfaces without compromising biocompatibility, making them ideal for healthcare applications and reducing device-related infections. This review emphasizes the biomedical applications of polyimides, particularly as antimicrobial coatings for implants, wound dressings, and medical devices. This emphasis stems from the critical need in healthcare to reduce infections and ensure device compatibility with human tissues, a role that polyimide-based materials appear exceptionally suited to fulfill. Despite their potential, several challenges persist, including long-term stability, limited biocompatibility assessments, and regulatory compliance, which necessitate interdisciplinary research efforts. By refining fabrication and surface engineering techniques, polyimide-based materials could significantly impact infection control practices and related complications. Further, the review provides a comprehensive overview of current advancements in polyimide research and highlights areas for future research, aimed at fully harnessing the antimicrobial and biocompatibility potential of polyimides in healthcare sector.