Application of Nanoparticle Technologies in the Combat against Anti-Microbial Resistance

Abstract

Anti-microbial resistance is a growing problem that has impacted the world and brought about the beginning of the end for the old generation of antibiotics. Increasingly, more antibiotics are being prescribed unnecessarily and this reckless practice has resulted in increased resistance towards these drugs, rendering them useless against infection. Nanotechnology presents a potential answer to anti-microbial resistance, which could stimulate innovation and create a new generation of antibiotic treatments for future medicines. Preserving existing antibiotic activity through novel formulation into or onto nanotechnologies can increase clinical longevity of action against infection. Additionally, the unique physiochemical properties of nanoparticles can provide new anti-bacterial modes of action which can also be explored. Simply concentrating on antibiotic prescribing habits will not resolve the issue but rather mitigate it. Thus, new scientific approaches through the development of novel antibiotics and formulations is required in order to employ a new generation of therapies to combat anti-microbial resistance.

<p>Antimicrobial Peptide-Loaded Nanoparticles as Inhalation Therapy for <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> Infections</p>

“…24 Nanoparticles are also considered useful in reducing the onset of resistance, by modulating the interaction of the drug with bacteria and by promoting intracellular uptake. 25 When used for lung treatments, high drug concentrations can be achieved directly at the site of infection, overcoming biodistribution issues and reducing toxicity. 26 Single-chain polymer nanoparticles are soft-matter biocompatible and biodegradable systems, they show controllable size and shape and have great potential as nanocarriers.…”

Treatment Strategies for Infected Wounds

“…When a NP encounters a bacterial cell wall, it can accomplish its bactericidal effect by discharging toxic metal ions or by generating Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) [ 146 ]. When in intimate contact with bacterial cells walls, negatively-charged groups originated at bacteria surfaces attract positively-charged NPs.…”

Preparation and Evaluation of the ZnO NP–Ampicillin/Sulbactam Nanoantibiotic: Optimization of Formulation Variables Using RSM Coupled GA Method and Antibacterial Activities

“…Nowadays, applications of a combination of NPs with antibiotics, termed as nanoantibiotics, is a novel strategy and therefore gaining research interest as it increases the effectiveness of both the nanoparticle and antibiotic towards multidrug-resistant (MDR) microbes [5]. The conjugation of NPs with small molecules, like drugs showing a synergistic effect, is a promising approach for reducing the emergence of microbial resistance [6]. The application of nanoantibiotics for the treatment of microbial infections not only minimizes the toxicity of both the substances i.e., antibiotics and NPs towards a human cell line, but elevates their antimicrobial properties [7].…”

“…However, restricted data is available on metal oxide NPs that cover in vivo antimicrobial effectiveness in combination with antibiotics against the MDR pathogens. Among nanoparticles, silver NPs have been studied extensively for antimicrobial activities alone as well as in combination with antibiotics [6]. Silver NPs have been reported to enhance the activity of antibiotics (penicillin G, amoxicillin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and vancomycin) against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli [9].…”