Metal nanoparticles: understanding the mechanisms behind antibacterial activity

Abstract

As the field of nanomedicine emerges, there is a lag in research surrounding the topic of nanoparticle (NP) toxicity, particularly concerned with mechanisms of action. The continuous emergence of bacterial resistance has challenged the research community to develop novel antibiotic agents. Metal NPs are among the most promising of these because show strong antibacterial activity. This review summarizes and discusses proposed mechanisms of antibacterial action of different metal NPs. These mechanisms of bacterial killing include the production of reactive oxygen species, cation release, biomolecule damages, ATP depletion, and membrane interaction. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of the effects of NPs on the regulation of genes and proteins (transcriptomic and proteomic) profiles is discussed.

Production of molybdenum blue by two novel molybdate‐reducing bacteria belonging to the genusRaoultellaisolated from Egypt and Iraq

“…This was comparable to the finding of Slavin et al . () who found that the bacterial cell wall was destroyed with subsequent penetration of nanoparticles. Further studies are needed to examine the possibility of using the isolated bacteria in in situ bioremediation of sites contaminated with molybdate along with other contaminants such as iron, chromium, uranium etc.…”

Recent Progress in Two‐Dimensional Antimicrobial Nanomaterials

“…In this respect, Mo and co-workersp repared Pd@Ag NSs by reducing Ag + on the surface of Pd NSs. [63] The synthesized NSs showed ah exagonal plate-like structure with an average diameter of about 85 nm ( Figure 4). It was demonstrated the Pd@Ag NSs exhibited an outstanding photothermal conversion effect and could releaseA g + to damaget he bacterial cell membraneu pon exposure to NIR irradiation at l = 808 nm.…”

“…On the other hand, absorbed light triggers Ag NPs to release Ag + , which enhances the photothermal disinfection performance . It has been reported that the dissolution of NPs depends on their size, shape, and surface morphology . Moreover, different metal NPs showed different antibacterial performances.…”

“…The fabrication of 2D nanocomposites by depositing metal NPs onto the surface of 2D nanomaterials is one strategy to obtain high‐performance antibacterial reagents. In this respect, Mo and co‐workers prepared Pd@Ag NSs by reducing Ag + on the surface of Pd NSs . The synthesized NSs showed a hexagonal plate‐like structure with an average diameter of about 85 nm (Figure ).…”

“…[62] It has been reported that the dissolution of NPsd epends on their size, shape, and surface morphology. [63] Moreover,d ifferentm etal NPs showed differenta ntibacterial performances. In comparison with Ag NPs and Cu NPs, the latter can release more ions, whereas the former are more efficient at disinfection, although significantly fewer ions are released.…”