Natural and synthetic functional materials for broad spectrum applications in antimicrobials, antivirals and cosmetics

Abstract Antimicrobial resistance is the leading cause of burden on healthcare sector. There is scientific challenge of developing new functional material as a platform to prevent and treat viral and microbial infection and cosmetic utility. In material chemistry, there is progress in the development of functional material with advent of nanotechnology with aid of synthetic organic chemistry. The properties and application of material can be changed significantly by modification of the surface functional groups (namely, COOH, HO, NH 2 OH, SO 4 ,), formation of composite with inorganic material and incorporation of active pharmaceutical agents. In antibacterial application functional material of copper, silver, gold, platinum, tin, iron, cobalt, ruthenium, zinc and pharmaceutical antimicrobial agents found utility in the treatment of bacterial and hospital acquired infection with different resistant strains of microorganisms. In antiviral application many functional materials have been shown to possess remarkable antiviral ability like quantum dots, gold and silver nanoparticles, nanoclusters, carbon dots, graphene oxide and silicon materials. The polymers and dendrimers functionalized with USFDA approved antiviral agent also has potential therapeutic outcomes. Despite their difference in antiviral mechanism and inhibition efficacy, these functional material structures have unique features as potential antiviral candidates. In cosmetic applications functional material based on mica, sericite, fullerene, charcoal, peptides, mineral, lipids, glucocorticoid, nanocellulose hybrid material are extensively used. In this review, we have highlighted early promise and prospects of functional material for cosmetics, antibacterial and antiviral applications, advantages and disadvantages, Patent scenario, current challenges for translation into commercial products.