Nanoparticles (NPs) are new inspiring clinical targets that have emerged from persistent efforts with unique properties and diverse applications.

Two natural extracts were loaded within fabricated honey, poly(vinyl alcohol), chitosan nanofibers (HPCS) to develop biocompatible antimicrobial nanofibrous wound dressing. The dried aqueous extract of Cleome droserifolia (CE) and Allium sativum aqueous extract (AE) and their combination were loaded within the HPCS nanofibers in the HPCS-CE, HPCS-AE, and HPCS-AE/CE nanofiber mats, respectively. It was observed that the addition of AE resulted in the least fiber diameter (145 nm), whereas the addition of the AE and CE combination resulted in the least swelling ability and the highest weight loss. In vitro antibacterial testing against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was performed in comparison with the commercial dressing AquacelAg and revealed that the HPCS-AE and HPCS-AE/CE nanofiber mats allowed complete inhibition of S. aureus and the HPCS-AE/CE exhibited mild antibacterial activity against MRSA. A preliminary in vivo study revealed that the developed nanofiber mats enhanced the wound healing process as compared to the untreated control as proved by the enhanced wound closure rates in mice and by the histological examination of the wounds. Moreover, comparison with the commercial dressing Aquacel Ag, the HPCS, and HPCS-AE/CE demonstrated similar effects on the wound healing process, whereas the HPCS/AE allowed an enhanced wound closure rate. Cell culture studies proved the biocompatibility of the developed nanofiber mats in comparison with the commercial Aquacel Ag, which exhibited noticeable cytotoxicity. The developed natural nanofiber mats hold potential as promising biocompatible antibacterial wound dressing.

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Bacterial resistance is not only restricted to human infections but is also a major problem in food. With the marked decrease in produced antimicrobials, the world is now reassessing bacteriophages. In 2006, ListShield™ received the US FDA approval for using phage in food. Nevertheless, regulatory approval of phage-based therapeutics is still facing many challenges. This review highlights the use of bacteriophages as biocontrol agents in the food industry. It also focuses on the challenges still facing the regulatory approval of phage-based therapeutics and the proposed approaches to overcome such challenges.

The developed biocompatible nanofibers represent competitive wound-healing dressings with potent antibacterial and wound-healing activity.

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To examine the utilization of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in different commercial products, this work focuses on the determination of cost-effective and scalable synthesis protocols. The solvothermal protocol is well-known as a scalable method but has recently been shown to lack economic feasibility. The mechanochemical method has recently been recognized to be a more economic and environmentally friendly substitute for the solvothermal method. In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized using two (aqueous and organic) solvothermal (wet) methods and two (manual and automated) mechanochemical (dry) methods. The four methods were evaluated and compared. The automated mechanochemical method generated a significantly higher yield of ZnO NPs (82%) and CuO NPs (84%) using the least energy and time. However, the prepared ZnO NPs displayed higher cytotoxicity against Vero E6 cells when compared to that of CuO NPs. Because of their low cytotoxicity, CuO NPs synthesized via the automated mechanochemical method were selected for application onto cotton fabrics. Lower cytotoxicity was observed for CuO NPs treated fabrics with an IC 50 of 562 mg/mL and ZnO treated fabrics with an IC 50 at 23.93 mg/mL when the treated fabrics were tested against L929 fibroblast cells. Additionally, the cotton fabrics retained bactericidal and virucidal effects after four washes. Thus, the current study recommends the automated mechanochemical method as a cost-effective scalable approach for the synthesis of CuO NPs. The application of CuO NPs onto cotton fabrics generated washable antimicrobial face masks.