Countering drug resistance, infectious diseases, and sepsis using metal and metal oxides nanoparticles: Current...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Microbiology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Microbial infections cause significant global mortality, exacerbated by antibiotic resistance and emerging diseases.
• Conventional antibiotic discovery faces funding challenges, driving the need for alternative antimicrobial agents.
• Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, like silver and zinc oxide, demonstrate potent antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the potential of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles as alternative antimicrobial agents.
• To identify the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms of nanoparticle antimicrobial activity.
• To emphasize the necessity of optimizing nanoparticles for enhanced efficacy and biocompatibility.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on metal and metal oxide nanoparticles as antimicrobials.
• Analysis of regulatory approvals and applications of these nanomaterials.
• Identification of research gaps in understanding antimicrobial mechanisms and in vivo toxicity.

Main Results:

• Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against various pathogens.
• These nanomaterials are approved for diverse applications, including antimicrobial uses and product fortification.
• Detailed studies on molecular mechanisms and selective toxicity are currently lacking.

Conclusions:

• Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles represent a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
• Further investigation into selective antimicrobial activity and optimization is crucial for maximizing their potential.
• In vivo toxicity studies at realistic doses are essential before clinical translation.