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Updated: Apr 4, 2026

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
Published on: April 21, 2023
Nanoparticles as potential new generation broad spectrum antimicrobial agents
Clarence S Yah1,2, Geoffrey S Simate3
1Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. cyah@nmmu.ac.za.
Abstract:
The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains to conventional antimicrobial agents has complicated and prolonged infection treatment and increased mortality risk globally. Furthermore, some of the conventional antimicrobial agents are unable to cross certain cell membranes thus, restricting treatment of intracellular pathogens. Therefore, the disease-causing-organisms tend to persist in these cells. However, the emergence of nanoparticle (NP) technology has come with the promising broad spectrum NP-antimicrobial agents due to their vast physiochemical and functionalization properties. In fact, NP-antimicrobial agents are able to unlock the restrictions experienced by conventional antimicrobial agents. This review discusses the status quo of NP-antimicrobial agents as potent broad spectrum antimicrobial agents, sterilization and wound healing agents, and sustained inhibitors of intracellular pathogens. Indeed, the perspective of developing potent NP-antimicrobial agents that carry multiple-functionality will revolutionize clinical medicine and play a significant role in alleviating disease burden.
Insights
Nanoparticle antimicrobial agents offer a promising solution to combat drug-resistant infections and treat intracellular pathogens, overcoming limitations of conventional treatments. Their broad-spectrum activity and unique properties are revolutionizing medicine and reducing disease burden.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) complicates infection treatment and increases mortality.
- Conventional antimicrobials struggle to penetrate cell membranes, hindering treatment of intracellular pathogens.
- Intracellular pathogens persist within host cells, posing significant therapeutic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current applications of nanoparticle (NP) antimicrobial agents.
- To highlight the potential of NPs in overcoming limitations of conventional antimicrobials.
- To discuss the future prospects of multifunctional NP-antimicrobial agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NP-antimicrobial agents.
- Analysis of physiochemical and functionalization properties of NPs.
- Evaluation of NP efficacy in antimicrobial, sterilization, and wound healing applications.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle antimicrobial agents exhibit broad-spectrum activity against resistant strains.
- NPs demonstrate efficacy as sterilization and wound healing agents.
- NPs show potential for sustained inhibition of intracellular pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle technology presents a potent strategy against antimicrobial resistance.
- NPs can effectively treat infections caused by intracellular pathogens.
- Multifunctional NP-antimicrobial agents are poised to revolutionize clinical medicine and reduce global disease burden.
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