The challenges and applications of nanotechnology against bacterial resistance

Abstract

Bacterial resistance to the antibiotics develops rapidly and is increasingly serious health concern in the world. It is an insoluble topic due to the multiple resistant mechanisms. The overexpression of relative activities of the efflux pump has proven to be a frequent and important source of bacterial resistance. Efflux transporters in the membrane from the resistant bacteria could play a key role to inhibit the intracellular drug intake and impede the drug activities. However, nanoparticles (NPs), one of the most frequently used encapsulation materials, could increase the intracellular accumulation of the drug and inhibit the transporter activity effectively. The rational and successful application of nanotechnology is a key factor in overcoming bacterial resistance. Furthermore, nanoparticles such as metallic, carbon nanotubes and so on, may prevent the development of drug resistance and be associated with antibiotic agents, inhibiting biofilm formation or increasing the access into the target cell and exterminating the bacteria eventually. In the current study, the mechanisms of bacterial resistance are discussed and summarized. Additionally, the opportunities and challenges in the use of nanoparticles against bacterial resistance are also illuminated. At the same time, the use of nanoparticles to combat multidrug‐resistant bacteria is also investigated by coupling natural antimicrobials or other alternatives. In short, we have provided a new perspective for the application of nanoparticles against multidrug‐resistant bacteria.

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“…Bacterial resistance can be overcome, in large part, by applying nanotechnology sensibly and effectively. Simultaneously, the combination of natural antimicrobials or alternative approaches with nanoparticles is being studied for its potential to treat multidrug-resistant bacteria [11].…”

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“…However, the effective inhibition of transporter activity can be achieved using NPs as encapsulating agents, enabling enhanced intracellular accumulation of drugs and helping to overcome bacterial resistance. NPs coupled with natural antimicrobials can be successfully used against MDR bacteria [ 89 ]. Besides the penetration of the bacterial cell wall and the destruction permeability of the cell membrane and the structure and function of cell macromolecules due to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), NPs can kill the bacteria and overcome multi-drug resistance because they are able to affect several targets in bacterial cells and exhibit synergistic effect with conventional antibiotics, resulting in improved antibacterial effectiveness [ 79 , 90 ].…”

Incorporation of Antibiotics into Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: A Promising Approach to Reduce Antibiotic Resistance Emergence

“…In this regard, some cells overexpress drug efflux pumps encoding genes to increase drug expulsion capacity, helping bacteria to develop resistance. According to the literature, different nanoparticle formulations can inhibit the transporter activity effectively [ 89 ].…”