Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Against Bacterial Biofilms: Perspectives and Limitations

Abstract

At present, there is an urgent need in medicine and industry to develop new approaches to eliminate bacterial biofilms. Considering the low efficiency of classical approaches to biofilm eradication and the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, the introduction of nanomaterials may be a promising solution. Outstanding antimicrobial properties have been demonstrated by nanoparticles (NPs) of metal oxides and their nanocomposites. The review presents a comparative analysis of antibiofilm properties of various metal oxide NPs (primarily, CuO, Fe3O4, TiO2, ZnO, MgO, and Al2O3 NPs) and nanocomposites, as well as mechanisms of their effect on plankton bacteria cells and biofilms. The potential mutagenicity of metal oxide NPs and safety problems of their wide application are also discussed.

MgO Nanoparticles-Incorporated PCL/Gelatin-Derived Coaxial Electrospinning Nanocellulose Membranes for Periodontal Tissue Regeneration

“…While the GTR technique widely uses membrane materials as a barrier in periodontal flap surgery, it still has some limitations, such as poor osteogenic and antimicrobial properties ( Liang et al, 2020 ). To endow these biodegradable membrane with excellent osteogenic and antimicrobial activities, there are several emerging approaches ( Naahidi et al, 2017 ; Prado-Prone et al, 2020 ; Shkodenko et al, 2020 ), among which MgO nanoparticles-incorporated PCL/gelatin nanocellulose membranes fabricated by coaxial electrospinning might be very promising platforms for periodontal tissue regeneration. Our results indicated that Coaxial-MgO had good biocompatibility and affinity to cells due to its gelatin shell, and incorporation of MgO nanoparticles could enhance the mechanical property of membrane.…”

Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composite Films for Antimicrobial Therapies

“…MgO NPs have also been recognized by the FDA as safe materials [ 120 ], which has attracted scientific interest towards their application in biomedical areas. MgO NPs are non-toxic and easy to obtain, exhibiting antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses and biofilm-inhibiting features [ 120 , 121 , 122 ]. MgO comprises a lattice of Mg 2+ and O 2- ions held by ionic bonds [ 123 ].…”

“…Other mechanisms could also be involved, such as quorum sensing disruption due to the surface area, chemistry, roughness, and wettability of the NPs [ 128 , 130 ]. MgO NPs have proven their antibacterial properties against S. aureus , P. aeruginosa , and E. coli [ 120 , 131 ] and inhibited the formation of E. coli , K. pneumoniae , and S. aureus biofilms [ 122 ].…”

“…In addition to the influence of NP size; shape; composition; and surface properties, such as hydrophobicity, the antimicrobial properties of MgO NPs are also affected by the microbial species and strain (e.g., higher bioactivity against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria), the concentration of the NPs, and the time of exposure [ 122 , 123 , 127 , 128 ].…”

Nanomaterials in Wound Healing and Infection Control

“…This wound healing may or may not be directly related to their excellent antimicrobial potency [ 3 , 15 , 16 ]. Although the idea of nano-antibiotics (also as nanobots) has been around for a decade at least [ 17 ] and many recent reviews of the use of nanomaterials as antimicrobials [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], or antiseptics [ 22 ] exist, less attention has been given to explore if they actually improve wound healing outcomes.…”