Harnessing Nanoparticles to Overcome Antimicrobial Resistance: Promises and Challenges

The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a serious global health issue that kills millions of people each year globally. AMR developed in bacteria is difficult to treat and poses a challenge to clinicians. Bacteria develop resistance through a variety of processes, including biofilm growth, targeted area alterations, and therapeutic drug alteration, prolonging the period they remain within cells, where antibiotics are useless at therapeutic levels. This rise in resistance is linked to increased illness and death, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to combat this growing challenge. Nanoparticles (NPs) offer unique solutions for fighting AMR bacteria. Being smaller in size with a high surface area, enhancing interaction with bacteria makes the NPs strong antibacterial agents against various infections. In this review, we have discussed the epidemiology and mechanism of AMR development. Furthermore, the role of nanoparticles as antibacterial agents, and their role in drug delivery has been addressed. Additionally, the potential, challenges, toxicity, and future prospects of nanoparticles as antibacterial agents against AMR pathogens have been discussed. The research work discussed in this review links with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG-3), which aims to ensure disease-free lives and promote well-being for all ages.