Nanosilver: An Old Antibacterial Agent with Great Promise in the Fight against Antibiotic Resistance

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a major problem worldwide that costs 55 billion USD annually for extended hospitalization, resource utilization, and additional treatment expenditures in the United States. This review examines the roles and forms of silver (e.g., bulk Ag, silver salts (AgNO3), and colloidal Ag) from antiquity to the present, and its eventual incorporation as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in numerous antibacterial consumer products and biomedical applications. The AgNP fabrication methods, physicochemical properties, and antibacterial mechanisms in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial models are covered. The emphasis is on the problematic ESKAPE pathogens and the antibiotic-resistant pathogens of the greatest human health concern according to the World Health Organization. This review delineates the differences between each bacterial model, the role of the physicochemical properties of AgNPs in the interaction with pathogens, and the subsequent damage of AgNPs and Ag+ released by AgNPs on structural cellular components. In closing, the processes of antibiotic resistance attainment and how novel AgNP–antibiotic conjugates may synergistically reduce the growth of antibiotic-resistant pathogens are presented in light of promising examples, where antibiotic efficacy alone is decreased.

Exploring an Innovative Approach: Integrating Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy with Silver Nanoparticle Dressings in Skin Graft Procedures

“…Moreover, silver nanoparticles seem to also have a role in countering antibiotic resistance. These effects can be visible even from small concentrations of silver ions, as low as 1 ppm [35].…”

Green Synthesis of Narrow-Size Silver Nanoparticles Using Ginkgo biloba Leaves: Condition Optimization, Characterization, and Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities

“…AgNPs and Ag + contribute to the production of hydroxyl radicals and ROS, thereby increasing the levels of cellular ROS and inhibiting bacterial cell growth [53]. The denaturation of DNA is also associated with ROS production, as oxidative damage to amino acids caused by oxygen radicals associated with AgNPs and Ag + ion exposure can disrupt the protein structure [54]. Additionally, the choice of capping agents can influence the release of AgNPs.…”

“…Sci. 2024, 25, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 2 production, as oxidative damage to amino acids caused by oxygen radicals associated with AgNPs and Ag + ion exposure can disrupt the protein structure [54]. Additionally, th choice of capping agents can influence the release of AgNPs.…”

Unravelling the Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, Suppressing Fibronectin Binding Protein A (fnba) and cna Virulence Genes, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential of Biosynthesized Solanum lycopersicum Silver Nanoparticles

“…This lower concentration requirement can reduce the potential toxicity to human cells, making AgNPs a safer option for clinical applications. Furthermore, the increased efficacy at lower concentrations can result in cost savings in both the manufacturing and application of AgNP-based products [ 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”