Antimicrobial nanotechnology: its potential for the effective management of microbial drug resistance and implications for research needs in microbial nanotoxicology

Abstract

The development of antibiotics revolutionized human health, providing a simple cure for once dreaded diseases such as tuberculosis. However, widespread production, use, and mis-use of antibiotics have contributed to the next-generation concern for global public health: the emergence of multiple drug-resistant (MDR) infectious organisms (a.k.a. “superbugs”). Recently, nanotechnology, specifically the use of nanomaterials (NMs) with antimicrobial activity, has been presented as a new defense against MDR infectious organisms. We discuss the potential for NMs to either circumvent microbial resistance or induce its development in light of our current state of knowledge, finding that this question points to a need for fundamental research targeting the molecular mechanisms causing antimicrobial activity in NMs. In the context of current microbial nanotoxicology studies, particularly reductionist laboratory studies, we offer suggestions and considerations for future research, using an illustrative example from our work with silver nanoparticles.

Enhanced uptake of antibiotic resistance genes in the presence of nanoalumina

“…Some scholars also have begun to recognize the risks of using NPs as antibacterial agents: exposure of microbial populations to antimicrobial nanomaterials could lead J U S T A C C E P T E D to selection pressures that favor the development of microbes resistant to traditional molecular antibiotics (Hajipour et al 2012;Aruguete et al 2013). Nanomaterials have the potential to be that stressor, because the potential for nanomaterials to be released into the environment is high (Moore 2006;Daughton and Ternes 1999).…”

“…"superbugs"), which is a serious concern for global public health and is caused by, amongst others, widespread production, use, and mis-use of antibiotics (Udwadia et al 2012;Calfee 2012). Improved antibacterial agents, such as nanomaterials, could locally destroy bacteria, without being toxic to the surrounding tissue (Pelgrift and Friedman 2013;Aruguete Et al. 2013).…”

Anti-Biofilm Drug Susceptibility Testing Methods: Looking for New Strategies against Resistance Mechanism

“…In addition, biosensor methods should be applied in new medical devices together to nanotechnological approach for to provide tools with the ability of detect and inhibit the biofilm in the early stages and thus to prevent nosocomial infections [99].…”

Antimicrobial Models in Nanotechnology

“…Also, the use of nanomodified surfaces has been effective in inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation, decreasing the incidence of infections associated with medical procedures (Machado et al, 2010). Equally, NMs can be incorporated into polymer matrices to make antibacterial nanocomposites, which selectively lyse microbial membranes and are very useful as macromolecular antimicrobial polymers (MAPs) in biosensors and biomedical devices, fibers for wound dressing, membranes for water purification, and dispersion formulations (Santos et al, 2012;Aruguete et al, 2013). The antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles can be justified by several mechanisms of direct toxicity such as disruption cell wall, interruption of electron transport, alteration of the membrane potential, escape of the cell contents by physical damage, and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Figure 2.2) (Hajipour et al, 2012;Pagnout et al, 2012).…”