Nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems in overcoming bacterial resistance: Current review

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most serious contemporary global health concerns, threatening the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and resulting in morbidity, mortality, and economic burdens. This review examines the contribution of nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems to solving the problems associated with bacterial resistance and provides a thorough overview of their mechanisms of action, efficiency, and perspectives for the future. Owing to their unique physicochemical properties, nanomaterials reveal new ways of passing through the traditional mechanisms of bacterial defence connected to the permeability barrier of membranes, efflux pumps, and biofilm formation. This review addresses the different types of nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles, liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles, in terms of their antimicrobial properties and modes of action. More emphasis has been placed on the critical discussion of recent studies on such active systems. Both in vitro and in vivo models are discussed, with particular attention paid to multidrug-resistant bacteria. This review begins by reviewing the urgency for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by citing recent statistics, which indicate that the number of deaths and reasons for financial losses continue to increase. A background is then provided on the limitations of existing antibiotic therapies and the pressing need to develop innovative approaches. Nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems have been proposed as promising solutions because of their potential to improve drug solubility, stability, and targeted delivery, although side effects can also be mitigated. In addition to established knowledge, this review also covers ongoing debates on the continuous risks associated with the use of nanomaterials, such as toxicity and environmental impact. This discussion emphasizes the optimization of nanomaterial design to target specific bacteria, and rigorous clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy in humans. It concludes with reflections on the future directions of nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems in fighting AMR, underlining the need for an interdisciplinary approach, along with continuous research efforts to translate these promising technologies into clinical practice. As the fight against bacterial resistance reaches its peak, nanomaterials may be the key to developing next-generation antimicrobial therapies.