The Antibiofilm Nanosystems for Improved Infection Inhibition of Microbes in Skin

Abstract

Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor for the opportunistic microorganisms that elicit skin infections. The recalcitrant feature of biofilms and their antibiotic tolerance impose a great challenge on the use of conventional therapies. Most antibacterial agents have difficulty penetrating the matrix produced by a biofilm. One novel approach to address these concerns is to prevent or inhibit the formation of biofilms using nanoparticles. The advantages of using nanosystems for antibiofilm applications include high drug loading efficiency, sustained or prolonged drug release, increased drug stability, improved bioavailability, close contact with bacteria, and enhanced accumulation or targeting to biomasses. Topically applied nanoparticles can act as a strategy for enhancing antibiotic delivery into the skin. Various types of nanoparticles, including metal oxide nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and lipid-based nanoparticles, have been employed for topical delivery to treat biofilm infections on the skin. Moreover, nanoparticles can be designed to combine with external stimuli to produce magnetic, photothermal, or photodynamic effects to ablate the biofilm matrix. This study focuses on advanced antibiofilm approaches based on nanomedicine for treating skin infections. We provide in-depth descriptions on how the nanoparticles could effectively eliminate biofilms and any pathogens inside them. We then describe cases of using nanoparticles for antibiofilm treatment of the skin. Most of the studies included in this review were supported by in vivo animal infection models. This article offers an overview of the benefits of nanosystems for treating biofilms grown on the skin.

Antibiofilm and Antivirulence Activities of Gold and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized from Kimchi-Isolated Leuconostoc sp. Strain C2

“…Although the specific mechanism involved in suppressing the biofilm and eradicating the mature biofilm by these nanoparticles is unknown in this study, very little information on the action mechanism of the nanoparticles is available in the literature. The cell membrane breakdown, inhibition of genes associated with biofilm and virulence features, and the formation of cellular reactive oxygen species, which can interfere with cellular metabolism, are the principal effects of NPs on bacterial pathogens [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. To offer clear proof of the mechanism of action of these metal and metal–oxide NPs, more research into the gene expression of genes involved in biofilm development and virulence is necessary.…”

An Explorative Review on Advanced Approaches to Overcome Bacterial Resistance by Curbing Bacterial Biofilm Formation

“…To destroy the bacteria inside the biofilm, NPs may inflict an antimicrobial action directly or deliver therapeutic agents, such as antibiotics or antimicrobials (eg, essential oils, enzymes, or phytochemicals). 17 Metal nanoparticles can uniquely control the bacterial signaling system, which has been tested in vitro and in vivo. 252 Metal NPs block the synthesis of signaling molecules by interfering with the QS regulatory genes.…”

“…They require multiple antibiotics to treat the disease, raising the likelihood of drug toxicity. 17 However, combined antibiotic therapy causes antibiotic tolerance or resistance, resulting in persistent and difficult-to-treat infections. 18 In addition, the lack of universal diagnostic protocols in Medical settings leads to delayed or improper diagnoses.…”

Advances in Nanostructures for Antimicrobial Therapy

“…For therapies of biofilm-associated skin disorders besides photodynamic therapy application of nanosized formulations including micelles, SLNPs or quatsomes can be used. In addition, ablation of the biofilm matrix can be achieved using NPs producing magnetic, photothermal, or photodynamic effects as a response to external stimuli [ 110 , 111 , 112 ]. The ability of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on wound surfaces enables their continuous growth, resulting in chronic wound infections and subsequently leading to the morbidity or even to mortality [ 113 ].…”