Resistance among pathogenic bacteria to the existing antibiotics is one of the most alarming problems of the modern world. Alongwith reducing the use of antibiotics, and antibiotic stewardship, an alternative to antibiotics is much needed in the current scenario to combact infectious diseases. One alternative is to produce nanomaterials, especially, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. AgNPs are the most vital and fascinating nanoparticles because of their unique structural and functional properties and application against pathogenic bacteria. However, the synthesis of AgNPs remains a problem because of the chemicals and energy requirements and the byproducts of the reactions. Concerns have been raised about using chemically and physically synthesized nanoparticles because of their potential risks to the human body, animals, and environment. Green synthesis of these nanoparticles is a better alternative to physical and chemical approaches. Plant-based synthesis in turn is a method which can provide AgNPs that are cost-effective and eco-friendly as well as biocompatible. The specific features of size, morphology and shape of plant-based AgNPs give them the potency to fight multi-drug resistant bacteria. A detailed look into mechanistic aspects of the action of AgNPs against resistant bacteria with a focus on characteristic properties of AgNPs is required. This review discusses in detail these aspects and the potential of plant-based AgNPs as a solution to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers are now looking to nanomaterials to fight serious infectious diseases that cause outbreaks and even pandemics. SARS-CoV-2 brought chaos to almost every walk of life in the past 2 years and has challenged every available treatment method. Although vaccines were developed in no time against it, the most pressing issue was the emergence of variants of concern arising because of the rapidly evolving viral strains. The higher pathogenicity and, in turn, the higher mortality rate of infections caused by these variants renders the existing vaccines less effective and the effort to produce further vaccines a costly endeavor. While several techniques, such as immunotherapy and repurposed pharmaceutical research, are being studied to minimize viral infection, the fundamentals of nanotechnology must also be considered to enhance the anti-SARS-CoV-2 efforts. For instance, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been applied against SARS-CoV-2 effectively. Similarly, nanomaterials have been tested in masks, gloves, and disinfectants to aid in controlling SARS-CoV-2. Nanotechnology has also contributed to diagnoses such as rapid and accurate detection and treatment such as the delivery of mRNA vaccines and other antiviral agents into the body. The development of polymeric nanoparticles has been dubbed a strategy of choice over traditional drugs because of their tunable release kinetics, specificity, and multimodal drug composition. Our article explores the potential of nanomaterials in managing the variants of concern. This will be achieved by highlighting the inherent ability of nanomaterials to act against the virus on fronts such as inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 entry, inhibition of RNA replication in SARS-CoV-2, and finally, inhibition of their release. In this review, a detailed discussion on the potential of nanomaterials in these areas will be tallied with their potential against the current and emerging future variants of concern.
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