An Insight into Biomolecules for the Treatment of Skin Infectious Diseases

Abstract

In assigning priorities, skin infectious diseases are frequently classified as minor when compared to infectious diseases of high mortality rates, such as tuberculosis or HIV. However, skin infections are amongst the most common and prevalent diseases worldwide. Elderly individuals present an increased susceptibility to skin infections, which may develop atypical signs and symptoms or even complicate pre-existing chronic disorders. When the skin fails to correct or inhibit the action of certain pathogenic microorganisms, biomolecules endowed with antimicrobial features are frequently administered topically or systemically to assist or treat such conditions. (1) Antibiotics, (2) antimicrobial peptides, or (3) natural extracts display important features that can actively inhibit the propagation of these pathogens and prevent the evolution of infectious diseases. This review highlights the properties and mechanisms of action of these biomolecules, emphasizing their effects on the most prevalent and difficult to treat skin infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The versatility of biomolecules’ actions, their symbiotic effects with skin cells and other inherent antimicrobial components, and their target-directed signatures are also explored here.

Emerging Antimicrobial and Immunomodulatory Fiber-Based Scaffolding Systems for Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers

“…Antibiotics can be chemically synthesized or extracted from microbial substances. Their effectiveness is defined based on their ability to target elements within the bacterial cell wall and intracellular space and induce a detectable effect without losing their effectiveness throughout the process [ 19 ]. Studies have reported the ability of bacteriostatic (prevent bacterial growth) and bactericidal (kill bacteria) antibiotics to assist with wound closing by effectively acting against infection-producing microbes.…”

“…Most importantly synergisms between antibiotics have been revealed, so that the amount loaded within the fibrous scaffolds required for effective action could be reduced and potential side effects against viable tissues mitigated [ 24 ]. Even though antibiotics continue to be used in DFU care, their repeated and/or improper usage has been known to increase bacterial resistance [ 19 ]. In fact, ≈ 70% of bacteria responsible for wound infections are resistant to at least one type of antibiotic, with many infectious strains revealing resistance against many [ 25 ].…”

Inhibition of Escherichia Virus MS2, Surrogate of SARS-CoV-2, via Essential Oils-Loaded Electrospun Fibrous Mats: Increasing the Multifunctionality of Antivirus Protection Masks

“…Essential oils (EOs) are a complex mixture of volatile and aromatic chemical compounds (e.g., terpenes, phenols, alcohols, aldehydes, ethers and ketones) extracted from different parts of plants (e.g., buds, flowers, stems, leaves, seeds, twigs, roots, fruits, bark and wood flowers, seeds, leaves, fruits and roots) [9][10][11][12]. These have the function of defending the host from microbial invasion, manifesting antibacterial, antifungal and insecticide activities, aside from antiviral [13][14][15]. Furthermore, EOs have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and bronchodilatory properties [16].…”

Innovative Drug Delivery Systems for Infectious Diseases of the Skin

“…It also allows for controlled drug release 5 . The skin is an organ open to microorganisms, and bacteria, fungi and viruses are among the pathogens that cause skin infections 6, 7 . Due to the limited success of conventional dosage forms in skin infections, intensive studies are carried out on innovative drug delivery systems including microemulsions, liposomes, nanoparticles, nanofibers and micelles 8, 9 .…”