Nanoparticles as potential new generation broad spectrum antimicrobial agents

Abstract

The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains to conventional antimicrobial agents has complicated and prolonged infection treatment and increased mortality risk globally. Furthermore, some of the conventional antimicrobial agents are unable to cross certain cell membranes thus, restricting treatment of intracellular pathogens. Therefore, the disease-causing-organisms tend to persist in these cells. However, the emergence of nanoparticle (NP) technology has come with the promising broad spectrum NP-antimicrobial agents due to their vast physiochemical and functionalization properties. In fact, NP-antimicrobial agents are able to unlock the restrictions experienced by conventional antimicrobial agents. This review discusses the status quo of NP-antimicrobial agents as potent broad spectrum antimicrobial agents, sterilization and wound healing agents, and sustained inhibitors of intracellular pathogens. Indeed, the perspective of developing potent NP-antimicrobial agents that carry multiple-functionality will revolutionize clinical medicine and play a significant role in alleviating disease burden.

Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Multiple Drug-Resistant Strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Mastitis-Infected Goats: An Alternative Approach for Antimicrobial Therapy

“…The widespread increase in the use of conventional antimicrobial agents has led to global concerns, such as the rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains, prolonged infection treatment, and increased mortality risk [15,16]. Some conventional antimicrobial agents are unable to cross certain cell membranes, rendering them ineffective for the treatment of intracellular pathogens [15].…”

Counterion effects in protein nanoparticle electrostatic binding: A theoretical study

“…These bound proteins may become biologically toxic. Therefore, the toxicity of nanoparticles is one of the major concerns for biomedical applications [8][9][10]. We have earlier reported [11][12][13] that chargeligand functionalized nanoparticles electrostatically bind with the oppositely charged proteins.…”

Biocompatibility evaluation of pH and glutathione-responsive nanohydrogels after intravenous administration

“…Thus, understanding nanomaterial toxicity requires multiple sets of information because of both the complexity of nanomaterials and the often-limited database of relevant experimental studies. Nanosystems can enter into the human body by different ways: inhalation, ingestion, skin penetration or injections and interact with intracellular structures and macromolecules for long periods of time [12,15]. Due to their relatively large surface area to volume ratio, nanoscale materials have different physical and chemical properties from bulk material, which may modify the interactions among particle and its environment [16].…”