Natural Products-Based Metallic Nanoparticles as Antimicrobial Agents

Area of Science:

• Natural product chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Natural products possess antimicrobial properties but face limitations due to microbial resistance and cell membrane variations.
• Phytochemicals exhibit differential activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, often hindered by physicochemical factors.
• Multidrug resistance in microorganisms necessitates innovative strategies to enhance antimicrobial efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the biogenic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) to improve the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of plant-based metallic NPs against various microorganisms.
• To discuss the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial mechanisms of plant-based metallic NPs.

Main Methods:

• Biogenic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) using plant extracts or constituents.
• Formation of nanosized materials through redox balance between active substances and metals.
• Characterization of the synthesized plant-based metallic nanoparticles.

Main Results:

• Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) demonstrate effectiveness in preventing or overcoming biofilm formation.
• NPs like AgNPs, AuNPs, PtNPs, and ZnONPs show significant antimicrobial potential.
• Plant-based metallic NPs exhibit synergistic effects by disrupting bacterial redox balance and homeostasis.

Conclusions:

• Biogenic synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is a promising strategy to enhance the antimicrobial activity of natural products.
• Metallic NPs offer a novel mechanism of action against bacteria, bypassing common resistance pathways.
• Plant-based metallic nanoparticles present a viable approach to combatting microbial infections and antibiotic resistance.