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Recent Trends in Bioinspired Metal Nanoparticles for Targeting Drug-Resistant Biofilms
Devaraj Bharathi1, Jintae Lee1
1School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) biofilm infections characterized by densely packed microbial communities encased in protective extracellular matrices pose a formidable challenge to conventional antimicrobial therapies and are a major contributor to chronic, recurrent and device-associated infections. These biofilms significantly reduce antibiotic penetration, facilitate the survival of dormant persister cells and promote horizontal gene transfer, all of which contribute to the emergence and persistence of MDR pathogens. Metal nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as promising alternatives due to their potent antibiofilm properties. However, conventional synthesis methods are associated with high costs, complexity, inefficiency and negative environmental impacts. To overcome these limitations there has been a global push toward the development of sustainable and eco-friendly synthesis approaches. Recent advancements have demonstrated the successful use of various plant extracts, microbial cultures, and biomolecules for the green synthesis of MNPs, which offers biocompatibility, scalability, and environmental safety. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent trends and the latest progress in the green synthesis of MNPs including silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and selenium (Se), and also explores the mechanistic pathways and characterization techniques. Furthermore, it highlights the antibiofilm applications of these MNPs emphasizing their roles in disrupting biofilms and restoring the efficacy of existing antimicrobial strategies.
Insights
Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) offers a sustainable solution to combat challenging multidrug-resistant (MDR) biofilm infections. These eco-friendly MNPs show potent antibiofilm activity, disrupting infections and enhancing current treatments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant (MDR) biofilm infections are a significant clinical challenge, reducing antibiotic efficacy and promoting pathogen persistence.
- Conventional metal nanoparticle (MNP) synthesis methods are costly, inefficient, and environmentally detrimental.
- There is a growing need for sustainable and eco-friendly approaches to MNP production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles (MNPs).
- To explore the mechanistic pathways and characterization of green-synthesized MNPs.
- To highlight the antibiofilm applications of these MNPs in combating MDR infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on green synthesis of MNPs using plant extracts, microbial cultures, and biomolecules.
- Discussion of mechanistic pathways involved in MNP formation and antibiofilm activity.
- Analysis of characterization techniques for green-synthesized MNPs.
Main Results:
- Green synthesis provides a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally safe method for producing MNPs like silver, gold, platinum, and selenium.
- Green-synthesized MNPs exhibit potent antibiofilm properties, disrupting microbial communities and persister cells.
- These MNPs can restore the efficacy of conventional antimicrobial strategies against MDR biofilms.
Conclusions:
- Green synthesis of MNPs is a promising strategy to address MDR biofilm infections.
- Eco-friendly MNPs offer a viable alternative to conventional therapies, with significant potential in clinical applications.
- Further research into mechanistic pathways and clinical translation is warranted.
