Nanodelivery systems for improved topical antimicrobial therapy

Complications related to infectious diseases have significantly reduced, specially in the developed countries, due to the availability and use of a wide variety of antibiotics and antimicrobial agents, however, anti-infective therapy is still not considered to be optimal. Excessive use of antibiotics and antimicrobial agents increased the number of drug resistant pathogens, leading to urgent need for advanced therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology and nanomedicine provide platform for advanced therapeutic strategies of various infectious diseases, as nanomedicine, due to small size and targeted designed nano sized particles, permit passage through many previously impermeable biological membranes, often resulting in targeted delivery of antimicrobials. In particular, specific properties of nanomaterials and nanodelivery systems enable their closer and more efficient interactions with pathogen membranes and cell walls. The focus of this review is on the strategies and benefits related to using nanotechnology and nanomedicine in the topical therapy of skin infectious diseases. Current status and future prospects of most promising nanodelivery systems for antibiotics and antimicrobials delivery are discussed, and issues related to potential toxicity of such systems are addressed.