Mechanistic Insights into the Antimicrobial Actions of Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Implications for Multidrug Resistance

Abstract

Multiple drug-resistant bacteria are a severe and growing public health concern. Because relatively few antibiotics have been approved over recent years and because of the inability of existing antibiotics to combat bacterial infections fully, demand for unconventional biocides is intense. Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) offer a novel potential means of fighting bacteria. Although metallic NPs exert their effects through membrane protein damage, superoxide radicals and the generation of ions that interfere with the cell granules leading to the formation of condensed particles, their antimicrobial potential, and mechanisms of action are still debated. This article discusses the action of metallic NPs as antibacterial agents, their mechanism of action, and their effect on bacterial drug resistance. Based on encouraging data about the antibacterial effects of NP/antibiotic combinations, we propose that this concept be thoroughly researched to identify means of combating drug-resistant bacteria.

Nanoparticles as Anti-Microbial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Remineralizing Agents in Oral Care Cosmetics: A Review of the Current Situation

“…In physiological conditions, the ROS are the product of oxygen metabolism and play a major role in cell signaling and cellular homeostasis [52]. However, if an inequality between the production and the elimination of ROS occurs, and if ROS are overproduced, then oxidative stress is observed [53]. The oxidative stress can provoke peroxidation, alter proteins, inhibit enzymes, and damage RNA/DNA [54,55].…”

Phytosynthesized Metallic Nanoparticles—between Nanomedicine and Toxicology. A Brief Review of 2019′s Findings

“…As previously stated, the vast majority of the published literature covers the antimicrobial application of phytosynthesized nanoparticles. The antimicrobial mechanism of the nanoparticles has been thoroughly established [7] and has mainly been based on the disruption of cellular membrane functionality and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); see Figure 2. The cellular internalization of the nanoparticles is specific for each type of nanoparticle (including phagocytosis, pinocytosis and passive penetration), with the entry and cytosolic access into cells being influenced by a series of factors such as their shape, size, functionalization, surface charge, or protein corona [8].…”

Emerging Priorities for Microbiome Research

“…Other metals, such as gold nanoparticles are used for imaging, anti-inflammation and infection, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, cerium oxide nanoparticles, zinc oxide, carbon and polymeric, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid; PLGA) nanoparticles, also have antimicrobial properties (Shaikh et al, 2019). Not only can nanoparticles be used to intervene with the microbiome, but microbial flora can generate metal nanoparticles (Ovais et al, 2018).…”