Figure 6.

Schematic representation of the main mechanism of H. pylori eradication by biomaterials. (a) Acting as a physical barrier against stomach acids and enzymes, biomaterials provide better stability to the contained drugs. Furthermore, biomaterials delay drug release and target lesions, increasing the contact between H. pylori and the drug, thereby improving drug utilization. (b) Biomaterials directly destroy biofilms (one of the causative factors for H. pylori antibiotic resistance), eradicating H. pylori from biofilms. (c) Biomaterials damaging H. pylori membranes. (d) Biomaterials (such as inorganic metal materials) themselves exhibit antibacterial effects that kill H. pylori directly.