Metal-Based Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Infectious diseases can be transmitted and they cause a significant burden on public health globally. They are the greatest world killers and it is estimated that they are responsible for the demise of over 17 million people annually. The impact of these diseases is greater in the developing countries. People with compromised immune systems and children are the most affected. Infectious diseases may be caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The treatment of infectious diseases is hampered by simultaneous resistance to multiple drugs, indicating that there is a serious and pressing need to develop new therapeutics that can overcome drug resistance. This review will focus on the recent reports of metal-based nanoparticles that are potential therapeutics for the treatment of infectious diseases and their biological efficacy (in vitro and in vivo).

The potential anti‐infective applications of metal oxide nanoparticles: A systematic review

“…Microbial infections comprise one of the most serious dangers to human health. They include diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi (Aderibigbe, ). Although there are many FDA approved antimicrobial agents, there is a need to develop new active ingredients in this field owing to the target microbes developing resistance to currently used therapeutics.…”

<p>Silver Nanoparticles for the Therapy of Tuberculosis</p>

“…98 Metallic nanoparticles have unique antiviral, antibacterial, and antiparasitic properties, making them promising candidates for future applications in the treatment of infectious diseases. 99 From this class of molecules, zirconium oxide (ZrO 2 NPs) 100 bactericidal effect against E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. 103 Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have shown broad antibacterial effect against both gram-positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria, 104 and following appropriate functionalization a selective antibacterial effect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.…”

“…Inspired from Deng et al 198 lipid nanoparticles, alginate nanoparticles, niosomes, dendrimers) 207 or by adding new antituberculous compounds which can synergies the classical therapy, as metallic metal-based nanoparticles (mainly silver, iron oxide, gold, copper oxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, etc.). 99,187 Several of the therapeutical advantages of such nanoparticle-based therapy of tuberculosis are, among others: a) prolonged time of action, b) a high carrier ability; c) flexibility of various routes of administration, d) possibility of multiple drugs-encapsulation in the matrix, e) fewer side effects and improved compliance (especially important in prolonged anti-TB therapy). 207…”

Synthesis of ZnO Nanocrystals in SiO2/Si Track Template: Effect of Electrodeposition Parameters on Structure

“…Zn nanowires and nanoclusters are of interest for bio‐applications due to biocompatibility and low toxicity of Zn. Recent investigations revealed high antibacterial activity of Zn nanoparticles and, in more extent, of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) . ZnO is one of the most promising materials from the class of oxide semiconductors due to its excellent optical, electrical, and piezoelectrical properties, good transparency, and electronic mobility.…”

“…Recent investigations revealed high antibacterial activity of Zn nanoparticles and, in more extent, of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO). [15] ZnO is one of the most promising materials from the class of oxide semiconductors due to its excellent optical, electrical, and piezoelectrical properties, good transparency, and electronic mobility. ZnO is a wide-gap semiconductor with a direct bandgap (3.37 eV) and a large exciton binding energy (60 meV), which provides an intense edge exciton emission at room temperature.…”