Nickel Nanoparticles: Applications and Antimicrobial Role against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has evolved vast antibiotic resistance. These strains contain numerous virulence factors facilitating the development of severe infections. Considering the costs, side effects, and time duration needed for the synthesis of novel drugs, seeking efficient alternative approaches for the eradication of drug-resistant bacterial agents seems to be an unmet requirement. Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) have been applied as prognostic and therapeutic cheap agents to various aspects of biomedical sciences. Their antibacterial effects are exerted via the disruption of the cell membrane, the deformation of proteins, and the inhibition of DNA replication. NiNPs proper traits include high-level chemical stability and binding affinity, ferromagnetic properties, ecofriendliness, and cost-effectiveness. They have outlined pleomorphic and cubic structures. The combined application of NiNPs with CuO, ZnO, and CdO has enhanced their anti-MRSA effects. The NiNPs at an approximate size of around 50 nm have exerted efficient anti-MRSA effects, particularly at higher concentrations. NiNPs have conferred higher antibacterial effects against MRSA than other nosocomial bacterial pathogens. The application of green synthesis and low-cost materials such as albumin and chitosan enhance the efficacy of NPs for therapeutic purposes.

Regulation of overexpressed efflux pump encoding genes by cinnamon oil and trimethoprim to abolish carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical strains

“…In addition, using alternative therapeutic regimes for CRAB strains such as polymyxins, tigecycline, and aminoglycosides led to failure due to increasing resistance rates and pharmacokinetic properties [ 45 ]. The limited therapeutic options, as well as the long time and high cost required for the development of novel drugs have prompted increased interest in seeking efficient alternative approaches for the eradication of drug-resistant bacterial agents based on existing drugs as an attractive alternative combination therapy, Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) [ 46 ] and efflux pumps inhibitors demonstrated substantial effects against drug-resistant bacterial agents. One of the promising challenges to manipulating the resistance problem is the blocking of efflux pumps using inhibitors to open a broad chance to adjuvant therapy that revives antibiotic effectiveness [ 47 ].…”

MRSA and Skin Infections in Psoriatic Patients: Therapeutic Options and New Perspectives

“…Finally, the use of nanotechnology as a carrier for various drugs [ 72 ] could also help in controlling MRSA infections in psoriatic patients. Among the molecules that, in our opinion, could be more easily used in the near future, mainly due to their low cost, are zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), which act in vitro by producing reactive oxygen species and inhibiting amino acid synthesis in S. aureus strains [ 73 ] and nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs), which act by altering the structure of bacterial proteins and bacterial cell membranes and inhibiting DNA replication in MRSA [ 74 ]. However, the lack of human studies and the possible risk of increased penetration into the skin, with further impairment of the skin barrier, require further studies before use in psoriatic patients.…”

Magnetic Nanoparticles as Mediators for Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy Applications: A Status Review

“…The synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) plays a pivotal role in enhancing their properties and evaluating their potential applications [10][11][12][13]. It involves a series of carefully designed processes aimed at tailoring their size, shape, composition, and surface characteristics.…”