Anti-bacterial activity of inorganic nanomaterials and their antimicrobial peptide conjugates against resistant and non-resistant pathogens

Abstract

Our report represents a comprehensive review on the antibacterial activity of inorganic nanomaterials and antimicrobial peptides, and how concomitant use of the two can effectively tackle a range of bacterial infections which is a rapidly escalating issues in public health care worldwide. We believe this is of particular current interest with regard to "antimicrobial resistance" being declared one of the top-10 global health threats in 2019 by the WHO.In this group of authors, we have teamed up within the NordForsk-funded university hub Nordic POP (Patient Oriented Products), which we wish to showcase with this contribution. We are currenlty carrying out joint research supported by this network within the topic of the review, so we view this a valuable contribution also within the dissemination of Nordic POP activities.

Mycogenic Metal Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Mycobacterioses

“…As a consequence, microorganisms become more sensitive to drugs [ 49 ]. The increased activity from the conjugation of MNPs with antimicrobial peptides, for example, might be due to the higher membrane permeability of the peptides, which then help deliver MNPs into the microbial cells [ 44 ]. Another example of increased antimycobacterial activity is the combination of AgNPs with chloroform, which is due to chloroform’s ability to remove lipids and rupture the mycobacterial cell wall [ 41 ].…”

“…Chemical synthesis of new drugs, such as prodrugs derived from first-line agents, is another strategy also studied as an alternative solution to fight TB where different chemical structures might circumvent previous resistance [ 43 ]. Some peptides, part of the host first-line of defense and produced by the innate immune response, have been identified as having antimicrobial activity, presenting good biocompatibility and low probability of leading to microbial resistance [ 44 ]. These have been described as having a direct action against microorganisms, by creating cytotoxic pores on their cell walls, and an indirect one, by modulating the host immune system through upregulated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and contributing to contain infection [ 44 , 45 , 46 ].…”

“…Some peptides, part of the host first-line of defense and produced by the innate immune response, have been identified as having antimicrobial activity, presenting good biocompatibility and low probability of leading to microbial resistance [ 44 ]. These have been described as having a direct action against microorganisms, by creating cytotoxic pores on their cell walls, and an indirect one, by modulating the host immune system through upregulated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and contributing to contain infection [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Therapies using these antimicrobial peptides have been investigated, and synthetic peptides have been shown to have great potential and activity against pathogens, combined with decreased toxicity [ 46 , 47 ].…”

Advanced drug delivery systems can assist in managing influenza virus infection: A hypothesis

“…Inorganic nanoparticles have also gained considerable attention for their potential to improve therapeutic outcomes, drug biodistribution, as well as, drug pharmacokinetics [35] . Among them, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are one of the most widely employed inorganic nanomaterials in vaccine development [36] . Their properties are generally attributed to their physical nature, which allows surface conjugation of target antigens and adjuvants at high densities leading to an improved antigen presentation.…”

Green Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles from Plant Extracts, and Their Possible Application as Antimicrobial Agents in the Agricultural Area

“…In the case of metal NPs, it is well known that they can be used as antioxidants, biosensors, and for heavy metal detection [134][135][136]. Moreover, their unique physicochemical properties such as the ability to bind biomolecules, large surface area to volume ratio, high surface reactivity, easy to synthesize and characterize, reduced cytotoxicity, and their visible light extension behavior allow their use as antimicrobial agents [137][138][139][140]. However, this property is primarily due to their ultra-small size and shape (250 times smaller than bacteria), which enables an electrostatic interaction between the gold or silver from the NPs, and the negative charge on the cell wall or surface of microorganisms, leading them towards cellular death [141,142].…”