This review discusses the development, mechanisms of action, international testing procedures, and applications of antimicrobial polymers. Antimicrobial polymers are designed to prevent microbial growth and reduce the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in healthcare and food packaging. The review highlights the potential of these materials to combat pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, through various mechanisms such as surface modification, incorporation of antimicrobial agents, and the use of biocidal groups in the polymer structure. International testing protocols are detailed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of modified materials like plastics and textiles. The review also addresses the toxicity of antimicrobial additives when used in healthcare and food packaging applications. Antimicrobial polymers can be categorized into biocidal-releasing polymers and polymeric biocides. Biocidal-releasing polymers are designed to release antimicrobial agents in a controlled manner, while polymeric biocides are polymers that inherently possess antimicrobial properties. Examples include nanoparticles, polymer micelles, vesicles, dendrimers, and hydrogels. These materials have shown promise in applications such as drug delivery, medical devices, and surface coatings to prevent microbial adhesion and growth. The review also discusses the use of inorganic antimicrobial agents such as silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs), copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO NPs), magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs), and magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles (Mg(OH)₂ NPs). These agents have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, their potential toxicity and environmental impact are also discussed. The review emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate fabrication methods to ensure the effectiveness, durability, and compatibility of antimicrobial polymers with various substrates. It also highlights the potential of these materials in diverse applications, including healthcare, consumer products, and other industries, to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.This review discusses the development, mechanisms of action, international testing procedures, and applications of antimicrobial polymers. Antimicrobial polymers are designed to prevent microbial growth and reduce the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in healthcare and food packaging. The review highlights the potential of these materials to combat pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, through various mechanisms such as surface modification, incorporation of antimicrobial agents, and the use of biocidal groups in the polymer structure. International testing protocols are detailed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of modified materials like plastics and textiles. The review also addresses the toxicity of antimicrobial additives when used in healthcare and food packaging applications. Antimicrobial polymers can be categorized into biocidal-releasing polymers and polymeric biocides. Biocidal-releasing polymers are designed to release antimicrobial agents in a controlled manner, while polymeric biocides are polymers that inherently possess antimicrobial properties. Examples include nanoparticles, polymer micelles, vesicles, dendrimers, and hydrogels. These materials have shown promise in applications such as drug delivery, medical devices, and surface coatings to prevent microbial adhesion and growth. The review also discusses the use of inorganic antimicrobial agents such as silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs), copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs), calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO NPs), magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs), and magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles (Mg(OH)₂ NPs). These agents have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, their potential toxicity and environmental impact are also discussed. The review emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate fabrication methods to ensure the effectiveness, durability, and compatibility of antimicrobial polymers with various substrates. It also highlights the potential of these materials in diverse applications, including healthcare, consumer products, and other industries, to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.