title: Nanofibers offer alternative ways to the treatment of skin infections.
abstract: Injury to the skin causes a breach in the protective layer surrounding the body. Many pathogens are resistant to antibiotics, rendering conventional treatment less effective. This led to the use of alternative antimicrobial compounds, such as silver ions, in skin treatment. In this review nanofibers, and the incorporation of natural antimicrobial compounds in these scaffolds, are discussed as an alternative way to control skin infections. Electrospinning as a technique to prepare nanofibers is discussed. The possibility of using these structures as drug delivery systems is investigated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa.
authors.forename: T D J
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Heunis
authors.forename: L M T
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Dicks
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D057139:Nanofibers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D012834:Silver; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries / Q000382:microbiology; D012874:Skin Diseases, Infectious / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D012834:Silver
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