Metal‐Based Nanomaterials in Biomedical Applications: Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity Aspects

Abstract

Microbial colonization on material surfaces is ubiquitous. Biofilms derived from surface-colonized microbes pose serious problems to the society from both an economical perspective and a health concern. Incorporation of antimicrobial nanocompounds within or on the surface of materials, or by coatings, to prevent microbial adhesion or kill the microorganisms after their attachment to biofilms, represents an important strategy in an increasingly challenging field. Over the last decade, many studies have been devoted to preparing meta-based nanomaterials that possess antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities to combat pathogen-related diseases. Herein, an overview on the state-of-the-art antimicrobial nanosized metal-based compounds is provided, including metal and metal oxide nanoparticles as well as transition metal nanosheets. The antimicrobial mechanism of these nanostructures and their biomedical applications such as catheters, implants, medical delivery systems, tissue engineering, and dentistry are discussed. Their properties as well as potential caveats such as cytotoxicity, diminishing efficacy, and induction of antimicrobial resistance of materials incorporating these nanostructures are reviewed to provide a backdrop for future research.

Multifunctional and Stimuli‐Responsive Polydopamine Nanoparticle‐Based Platform for Targeted Antimicrobial Applications

“…[18,23,24] Notwithstanding, in vivo applications of gold nanomaterials remain limited due to their cytotoxic effects. [25,26] Thus, the search for alternative photoactive nanomaterials that are highly biocompatible continues to be an ongoing effort.…”

Versatile role of curcumin and its derivatives in lung cancer therapy

“…These nanoparticles can penetrate into tumor microenvironment to release curcumin. Under NIR irradiation, an increase occurs in curcumin release with simultaneous photothermal impact of gold nanoparticles, resulting in the effective killing of lung cancer cells and stimulation of apoptotic cell death (Makvandi et al, 2020; Zare et al, 2020; F. Zhu, Tan, Jiang, Yu, & Ren, 2018). For instance, stimuli‐responsive curcumin‐conjugated gold nanorods have been used for phototherapy and chemotherapy (Figure 2).…”

Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite-Ag Composite as Antimicrobial Agent

“…[5][6][7] In general, the metallic nanoparticles generate more ions than in their presentation in micro or macro scale, therefore the quantity of ions and the bactericidal properties depend on their size. [7][8][9] Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produce structural damage to the bacterial membrane and cell wall. The damage in DNA and RNA of bacteria inhibits bacterial reproduction.…”