Nanoparticles and Bacteria

Abstract

A concise critical review of the antibacterial features of some nanoparticles (metallic and oxide semiconductors) is presented. The review starts with a brief analysis of the physical features of nanoparticles and includes a discussion about the system nanoparticles-water-light, which is of utmost importance in biological and medical cases. Both metal and semiconducting nanoparticles are releasing electrons under the effect of the incoming electromagnetic radiation (light). This is the source of major misunderstandings as the antibacterial features of nanoparticles can be intrinsic (in this case antibacterial capabilities will be measured in the absence of light) or mediated (in this case the antibacterial features will be observed solely under light irradiation). The critical review opens the discussion about the need for experimental measurements in dark and under the effect of light-a type of research that was typically disregarded. The main ideas are supported by examples from specialty research. New concepts as specificity and effectiveness of antibacterial features are tentatively suggested.

Fabrication and a detailed study of antibacterial properties of α-Fe2O3/NiO nanocomposites along with their structural, optical, thermal, magnetic and cytotoxic features

“…In this regard, one of the most promising approaches to combat microbial resistance is to use antimicrobial nanoparticles. Implementation of nanotechnology in biomedical field has brought momentous advancement in diagnostic and treatment of a range of diseases [6][7][8][9][10][11]. Due to their very small size range, nanoparticles acquire distinct properties like high surface to volume ratio and an enhanced activity [12].…”

Antibacterial applications of α-Fe2O3/Co3O4 nanocomposites and study of their structural, optical, magnetic and cytotoxic characteristics

“…Other than their use as an antibiotic to combat contagious diseases, antibacterial agents have diverse applications in food processing and as coating agents on medical devices and implants to make them resistant against microbial infections. So, for this purpose the main advantages of using inorganic antibacterial agents over the traditionally used organic ones are their much higher stability at elevated temperatures and pressures with no loss of medicinal property (Xia 2008;Hajipour et al 2012;Hood and Skaar 2012;Aruguete et al 2013;Chipara et al 2015). For this application, different forms of inorganic nanomaterials like powders, organic/inorganic hybrid coatings, powders coated on cellulose fabric, etc.…”