A Review of Nanomaterials and Technologies for Enhancing the Antibiofilm Activity of Natural Products and Phytochemicals

Abstract

Biofilms are communities of microorganisms encased in a self-produced matrix constituted of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The recalcitrant and often harmful nature of biofilms, particularly in the biomedical field, motivates a search for antibiofilm compounds and materials. Within this context, nanoparticles (NPs) represent a promising platform for antibiofilm technologies due to their increased penetration into biofilms and facility of tailoring type, size, shape, and surface functionalization. The association of NPs with natural products and phytochemicals is even more appealing as an antibiofilm strategy, since the antimicrobial activity of essential oils, extracts, and isolated compounds can be improved when they are carried on the surface of NPs or encapsulated within them, as well as combined in formulations such as in nanoemulsions. This review article aims to provide an overview of recent methodologies for natural product delivery using nanomaterials and nanoformulations for the effective combat and eradication of bacterial and fungal biofilms. The nano-based technologies are categorized based on the type of antimicrobial delivery (NP coating, encapsulation, or nanoemulsions), and a selection of some widely reported natural substances (curcumin, propolis, and cinnamon components) is explored in more depth.

Natural Products, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the Quintuple Helix

“…With respect to antibiofilm activity, it is established that the use of nanomaterials in the formulation are effective for the eradication of bacterial and fungal biofilms. 150,151 With the formation of biofilms as a primary factor in the reduced antimicrobial susceptibility among microbes, as seen with Pseudomonas aeruginosa , 152 the application of nanoparticles as a delivery mechanism, either via coating, nano-emulsions, or encapsulation, should be evaluated where possible, for comparative purposes, as a new standard, similar to that of SAR analysis during the typical antibiotic assessment.…”

Retrospective analysis of the key molecules involved in the green synthesis of nanoparticles

“…, biocompatible, and are quite stable in nature. 2,3 In green synthesis, the biological corona, which generally originates from a synthesis source ( e.g. , bacterial supernatant or plant extract), plays an important role in providing NPs with stability and biocompatibility.…”

Alhagi maurorum extract modulates quorum sensing genes and biofilm formation in Proteus mirabilis

“…Plant essential oils and extracts are considered a rich source of a wide range of bioactive compounds known as phytochemicals 7 . The possible antibiofilm activity of phytochemicals has made interest, particularly in applying the plants as alternatives to treat infectious diseases 8 . Phytochemicals could inhibit bacterial adherence to the surfaces, quorum sensing (QS), urease activity, and adhesion to the exopolysaccharide matrix 4 .…”