Application of Polymeric Nanocarriers for Enhancing the Bioavailability of Antibiotics at the Target Site and Overcoming Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to global health. Although the efforts in antibiotic drug discovery continue to play a pivotal role, this solution alone probably will not be enough to ensure the required level of infection control in the future. New strategies and innovative modes of action are desperately needed to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials. Accordingly, antibiotic delivery based on polymeric nanoparticles is one of the possible methods that has been recently explored to improve their pharmacokinetic profile. Through optimized access of antibiotics to their sites of action, nanocarriers can unlock the full potential of the antibiotic cargoes, extend the antimicrobial spectrum, and reduce the required dose of antibiotic while preserving efficacy. Additionally, the use of an antibiotic-loaded nanocarrier is also considered a steady solution as novel molecules can be continuously developed and incorporated into the delivery platform. This review describes the present state of polymeric nanocarriers in enhancing antibiotic treatment, including improved pharmacokinetic properties and restored antibiotic efficacy against drug-resistant bacteria. Additionally, the current challenges and the future direction of this field are discussed.

Development and Characterization of Azithromycin-Loaded Microemulsions: A Promising Tool for the Treatment of Bacterial Skin Infections

“…This result could be attributed to the lower size of M2 droplets than M1, which ensured a larger surface area for a more effective drug delivery [ 39 ]. However, in all of the cases, the prolonged release could be favorable for achieving suitable local drug concentrations over time and obtaining a more prolonged effect, thus minimizing the dosing and improving the effectiveness of skin infection treatment [ 53 , 54 ].…”

Factors Influencing the Bioavailability of Organic Molecules to Bacterial Cells—A Mini-Review

“…Low bioavailability (to bacterial cells as well as to organisms infected by pathogens) is one of the factors considered to have a decisive impact on the performance of antibiotics—both synthetic and natural [ 48 , 49 ]. Furthermore, due to the non-specific toxicity of many bactericidal compounds, the antibiotic must be selected in such a way that it has a high affinity for the pathogen’s cells but a low affinity for the organism’s cells [ 50 , 51 ].…”

Emerging Target-Directed Approaches for the Treatment and Diagnosis of Microbial Infections

“…In the following sections, examples of these approaches will be presented. In addition to the strategies presented here, there are other promising approaches, such as the use of nanocarriers − and conjugation with antibodies, − that are already vastly discussed in the literature.…”