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23 pages, 5412 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silver/Graphene Oxide Nanostructured Coatings for Modulating the Microbial Susceptibility of Fixation Devices Used in Knee Surgery

by Sorin Constantinescu, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Ariana Hudiță, Valentina Grumezescu, Dragoș Rădulescu, Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă, Stefan Andrei Irimiciuc, Oana Gherasim, Alina Maria Holban, Bianca Gălățeanu, Ovidiu Cristian Oprea, Anton Ficai, Bogdan Ștefan Vasile, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Alexandra Bolocan and Radu Rădulescu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(1), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010246 - 23 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Exploring silver-based and carbon-based nanomaterials’ excellent intrinsic antipathogenic effects represents an attractive alternative for fabricating anti-infective formulations. Using chemical synthesis protocols, stearate-conjugated silver (Ag@C₁₈) nanoparticles and graphene oxide nanosheets (nGOs) were herein obtained and investigated in terms of composition and microstructure. [...] Read more.

Exploring silver-based and carbon-based nanomaterials’ excellent intrinsic antipathogenic effects represents an attractive alternative for fabricating anti-infective formulations. Using chemical synthesis protocols, stearate-conjugated silver (Ag@C₁₈) nanoparticles and graphene oxide nanosheets (nGOs) were herein obtained and investigated in terms of composition and microstructure. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations revealed the formation of nanomaterials with desirable physical properties, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the high purity of synthesized nanomaterials. Further, laser-processed Ag@C₁₈-nGO coatings were developed, optimized, and evaluated in terms of biological and microbiological outcomes. The highly biocompatible Ag@C₁₈-nGO nanostructured coatings proved suitable candidates for the local modulation of biofilm-associated periprosthetic infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles)

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31 pages, 68319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Slc11 Synapomorphy: A Conserved 3D Framework Articulating Carrier Conformation Switch

by Mathieu F. M. Cellier

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(20), 15076; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015076 - 11 Oct 2023

Viewed by 918

Abstract

Transmembrane carriers of the Slc11 family catalyze proton (H⁺)-dependent uptake of divalent metal ions (Me²⁺) such as manganese and iron—vital elements coveted during infection. The Slc11 mechanism of high-affinity Me²⁺ cell import is selective and conserved between prokaryotic [...] Read more.

Transmembrane carriers of the Slc11 family catalyze proton (H⁺)-dependent uptake of divalent metal ions (Me²⁺) such as manganese and iron—vital elements coveted during infection. The Slc11 mechanism of high-affinity Me²⁺ cell import is selective and conserved between prokaryotic (MntH) and eukaryotic (Nramp) homologs, though processes coupling the use of the proton motive force to Me²⁺ uptake evolved repeatedly. Adding bacterial piracy of Nramp genes spread in distinct environmental niches suggests selective gain of function that may benefit opportunistic pathogens. To better understand Slc11 evolution, Alphafold (AF2)/Colabfold (CF) 3D predictions for bacterial sequences from sister clades of eukaryotic descent (MCb and MCg) were compared using both native and mutant templates. AF2/CF model an array of native MCb intermediates spanning the transition from outwardly open (OO) to inwardly open (IO) carriers. In silico mutagenesis targeting (i) a set of (evolutionarily coupled) sites that may define Slc11 function (putative synapomorphy) and (ii) residues from networked communities evolving during MCb transition indicates that Slc11 synapomorphy primarily instructs a Me²⁺-selective conformation switch which unlocks carrier inner gate and contributes to Me²⁺ binding site occlusion and outer gate locking. Inner gate opening apparently proceeds from interaction between transmembrane helix (h) h5, h8 and h1a. MCg1 xenologs revealed marked differences in carrier shape and plasticity, owing partly to an altered intramolecular H⁺ network. Yet, targeting Slc11 synapomorphy also converted MCg1 IO models to an OO state, apparently mobilizing the same residues to control gates. But MCg1 response to mutagenesis differed, with extensive divergence within this clade correlating with MCb-like modeling properties. Notably, MCg1 divergent epistasis marks the emergence of the genus Bordetella-Achromobacter. Slc11 synapomorphy localizes to the 3D areas that deviate least among MCb and MCg1 models (either IO or OO) implying that it constitutes a 3D network of residues articulating a Me²⁺-selective carrier conformation switch which is maintained in fast-evolving clades at the cost of divergent epistatic interactions impacting carrier shape and dynamics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles)

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19 pages, 9184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ZnO-Doped Metal-Organic Frameworks Nanoparticles: Antibacterial Activity and Mechanisms

by Huiying Zheng, Biying Zhong, Qiaowen Wang, Xi Li, Jiehan Chen, Li Liu and Tiantian Liu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 12238; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512238 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1438

Abstract

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) offer new ideas for the design of antibacterial materials because of their antibacterial properties, high porosity and specific surface area, low toxicity and good biocompatibility compared with other nanomaterials. Herein, a novel antimicrobial nanomaterial, MIL-101(Fe)@ZnO, has been synthesized by hydrothermal [...] Read more.

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) offer new ideas for the design of antibacterial materials because of their antibacterial properties, high porosity and specific surface area, low toxicity and good biocompatibility compared with other nanomaterials. Herein, a novel antimicrobial nanomaterial, MIL-101(Fe)@ZnO, has been synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis and characterized by FTIR, UV-vis, ICP-OES, XRD, SEM, EDS and BET to show that the zinc ions are doped into the crystal lattice of MIL-101(Fe) to form a Fe-Zn bimetallic structure. MIL-101(Fe)@ZnO was found to be effective against a wide range of antibacterial materials including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter junii and Staphylococcus epidermidis. It has a significant antibacterial effect, weak cytotoxicity, high safety performance and good biocompatibility. Meanwhile, MIL-101(Fe)@ZnO was able to achieve antibacterial effects by causing cells to produce ROS, disrupting the cell membrane structure, and causing protein leakage and lipid preoxidation mechanisms. In conclusion, MIL-101(Fe)@ZnO is an easy-to-prepare antimicrobial nanomaterial with broad-spectrum bactericidal activity and low toxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles)

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17 pages, 7076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrospun Nanofibrous Mesh Based on PVA, Chitosan, and Usnic Acid for Applications in Wound Healing

by Alexandra Elena Stoica (Oprea), Delia Albuleț, Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă, Florin Iordache, Anton Ficai, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Bogdan Ștefan Vasile, Ecaterina Andronescu, Florica Marinescu and Alina Maria Holban

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(13), 11037; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241311037 - 03 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1515

Abstract

Injuries and diseases of the skin require accurate treatment using nontoxic and noninvasive biomaterials, which aim to mimic the natural structures of the body. There is a strong need to develop biodevices capable of accommodating nutrients and bioactive molecules and generating the process [...] Read more.

Injuries and diseases of the skin require accurate treatment using nontoxic and noninvasive biomaterials, which aim to mimic the natural structures of the body. There is a strong need to develop biodevices capable of accommodating nutrients and bioactive molecules and generating the process of vascularization. Electrospinning is a robust technique, as it can form fibrous structures for tissue engineering and wound dressings. The best way of forming such meshes for wound healing is to choose two polymers that complement each other regarding their properties. On the one hand, PVA is a water-soluble synthetic polymer widely used for the preparation of hydrogels in the field of biomedicine owing to its biocompatibility, water solubility, nontoxicity, and considerable mechanical properties. PVA is easy to subject to electrospinning and can offer strong mechanical stability of the mesh, but it is necessary to improve its biological properties. On the other hand, CS has good biological properties, including biodegradability, nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties. Still, it is harder to electrospin and does not possess as good mechanical properties as PVA. As these structures also allow the incorporation of bioactive agents due to their high surface-area-to-volume ratio, the interesting point was to incorporate usnic acid into the structure as it is a natural and suitable alternative agent for burn wounds treatment which avoids an improper or overuse of antibiotics and other invasive biomolecules. Thus, we report the fabrication of an electrospun nanofibrous mesh based on PVA, chitosan, and usnic acid with applications in wound healing. The obtained nanofibers mesh was physicochemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In vitro biological assays were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the samples using the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) assay and evaluating the influence of fabricated meshes on the Staphylococcus aureus biofilm development, as well as their biocompatibility (demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy results, an XTT assay, and a glutathione (GSH) assay). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles)

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18 pages, 7490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Activity of Biogenic Metal Oxide Nanoparticles and Their Synergistic Effect on Clinical Pathogens

by Dali Vilma Francis, Manju Nidagodu Jayakumar, Hafiz Ahmad and Trupti Gokhale

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 9998; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24129998 - 10 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1926

Abstract

The rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistance is currently a grave issue; hence, novel antimicrobial agents are being explored and developed to address infections resulting from multiple drug-resistant pathogens. Biogenic CuO, ZnO, and WO₃ nanoparticles can be considered as such agents. Clinical isolates of [...] Read more.

The rising prevalence of antibiotic-resistance is currently a grave issue; hence, novel antimicrobial agents are being explored and developed to address infections resulting from multiple drug-resistant pathogens. Biogenic CuO, ZnO, and WO₃ nanoparticles can be considered as such agents. Clinical isolates of E. coli, S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Candida albicans from oral and vaginal samples were treated with single and combination metal nanoparticles incubated under dark and light conditions to understand the synergistic effect of the nanoparticles and their photocatalytic antimicrobial activity. Biogenic CuO and ZnO nanoparticles exhibited significant antimicrobial effects under dark incubation which did not alter on photoactivation. However, photoactivated WO₃ nanoparticles significantly reduced the number of viable cells by 75% for all the test organisms, thus proving to be a promising antimicrobial agent. Combinations of CuO, ZnO, and WO₃ nanoparticles demonstrated synergistic action as a significant increase in their antimicrobial property (>90%) was observed compared to the action of single elemental nanoparticles. The mechanism of the antimicrobial action of metal nanoparticles both in combination and in isolation was assessed with respect to lipid peroxidation due to ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) production, and the damage to cell integrity using live/dead staining and quantitating with the use of flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles)

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19 pages, 5256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization and Engineering Studies of a New Endolysin from the Propionibacterium acnes Bacteriophage PAC1 for the Development of a Broad-Spectrum Artilysin with Altered Specificity

by Christina Varotsou, Georgios E. Premetis and Nikolaos E. Labrou

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(10), 8523; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24108523 - 10 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1997

Abstract

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has risen rapidly, leading to a great threat to global public health. A promising solution to this problem is the exploitation of phage endolysins. In the present study, a putative N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine type-2 amidase (NALAA-2, EC 3.5.1.28) from [...] Read more.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has risen rapidly, leading to a great threat to global public health. A promising solution to this problem is the exploitation of phage endolysins. In the present study, a putative N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine type-2 amidase (NALAA-2, EC 3.5.1.28) from Propionibacterium bacteriophage PAC1 was characterized. The enzyme (PaAmi1) was cloned into a T7 expression vector and expressed in E. coli BL21 cells. Kinetics analysis using turbidity reduction assays allowed the determination of the optimal conditions for lytic activity against a range of Gram-positive and negative human pathogens. The peptidoglycan degradation activity of PaAmi1 was confirmed using isolated peptidoglycan from P. acnes. The antibacterial activity of PaAmi1 was investigated using live P. acnes cells growing on agar plates. Two engineered variants of PaAmi1 were designed by fusion to its N-terminus two short antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). One AMP was selected by searching the genomes of Propionibacterium bacteriophages using bioinformatics tools, whereas the other AMP sequence was selected from the antimicrobial peptide databases. Both engineered variants exhibited improved lytic activity towards P. acnes and the enterococci species Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium. The results of the present study suggest that PaAmi1 is a new antimicrobial agent and provide proof of concept that bacteriophage genomes are a rich source of AMP sequences that can be further exploited for designing novel or improved endolysins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles)

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16 pages, 1796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into the Microbicidal, Antibiofilm, Antioxidant and Toxicity Profile of New O-Aryl-Carbamoyl-Oxymino-Fluorene Derivatives

by Ilinca Margareta Vlad, Diana Camelia Nuță, Robert Viorel Ancuceanu, Teodora Costea, Maria Coanda, Marcela Popa, Luminita Gabriela Marutescu, Irina Zarafu, Petre Ionita, Cristina Elena Dinu Pirvu, Coralia Bleotu, Mariana-Carmen Chifiriuc and Carmen Limban

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(8), 7020; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24087020 - 10 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1236

Abstract

The unprecedented increase in microbial resistance rates to all current drugs raises an acute need for the design of more effective antimicrobial strategies. Moreover, the importance of oxidative stress due to chronic inflammation in infections with resistant bacteria represents a key factor for [...] Read more.

The unprecedented increase in microbial resistance rates to all current drugs raises an acute need for the design of more effective antimicrobial strategies. Moreover, the importance of oxidative stress due to chronic inflammation in infections with resistant bacteria represents a key factor for the development of new antibacterial agents with potential antioxidant effects. Thus, the purpose of this study was to bioevaluate new O-aryl-carbamoyl-oxymino-fluorene derivatives for their potential use against infectious diseases. With this aim, their antimicrobial effect was evaluated using quantitative assays (minimum inhibitory/bactericidal/biofilms inhibitory concentrations) (MIC/MBC/MBIC), the obtained values being 0.156–10/0.312–10/0.009–1.25 mg/mL), while some of the involved mechanisms (i.e., membrane depolarization) were investigated by flow cytometry. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by studying the scavenger capacity of DPPH and ABTS•+ radicals and the toxicity was tested in vitro on three cell lines and in vivo on the crustacean Artemia franciscana Kellog. The four compounds derived from 9H-fluoren-9-one oxime proved to exhibit promising antimicrobial features and particularly, a significant antibiofilm activity. The presence of chlorine induced an electron-withdrawing effect, favoring the anti-Staphylococcus aureus and that of the methyl group exhibited a +I effect of enhancing the anti-Candida albicans activity. The IC50 values calculated in the two toxicity assays revealed similar values and the potential of these compounds to inhibit the proliferation of tumoral cells. Taken together, all these data demonstrate the potential of the tested compounds to be further used for the development of novel antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles)

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22 pages, 5517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Analysis of MgO Nanoparticle-Induced Immunity against Fusarium Wilt in Tomato

by Yushi Takehara, Isamu Fijikawa, Akihiro Watanabe, Ayumi Yonemura, Tomoyuki Kosaka, Kosei Sakane, Kiyoshi Imada, Kazunori Sasaki, Hiroshi Kajihara, Shoji Sakai, Yoichi Mizukami, Muhammad Salman Haider, Sudisha Jogaiah and Shin-ichi Ito

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3), 2941; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24032941 - 02 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1690

Abstract

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL), is a devastating soilborne disease in tomatoes. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) induce strong immunity against Fusarium wilt in tomatoes. However, the mechanisms underlying this immunity remain poorly understood. Comparative transcriptome analysis and [...] Read more.

Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL), is a devastating soilborne disease in tomatoes. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) induce strong immunity against Fusarium wilt in tomatoes. However, the mechanisms underlying this immunity remain poorly understood. Comparative transcriptome analysis and microscopy of tomato roots were performed to determine the mechanism of MgO NP-induced immunity against FOL. Eight transcriptomes were prepared from tomato roots treated under eight different conditions. Differentially expressed genes were compared among the transcriptomes. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed that in tomato roots pretreated with MgO NPs, Rcr3 encoding apoplastic protease and RbohD encoding NADPH oxidase were upregulated when challenge-inoculated with FOL. The gene encoding glycine-rich protein 4 (SlGRP4) was chosen for further analysis. SlGRP4 was rapidly transcribed in roots pretreated with MgO NPs and inoculated with FOL. Immunomicroscopy analysis showed that SlGRP4 accumulated in the cell walls of epidermal and vascular vessel cells of roots pretreated with MgO NPs, but upon FOL inoculation, SlGRP4 further accumulated in the cell walls of cortical tissues within 48 h. The results provide new insights into the probable mechanisms of MgO NP-induced tomato immunity against Fusarium wilt. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles)

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17 pages, 3741 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Peptide Octominin-Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles Enhanced Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities

by E. H. T. Thulshan Jayathilaka, Chamilani Nikapitiya, Mahanama De Zoysa and Ilson Whang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(24), 15882; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232415882 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2042

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have become a key solution for controlling multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, and the nanoencapsulation of AMPs has been used as a strategy to overcome challenges, such as poor stability, adverse interactions, and toxicity. In previous studies, we have shown the potent [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have become a key solution for controlling multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, and the nanoencapsulation of AMPs has been used as a strategy to overcome challenges, such as poor stability, adverse interactions, and toxicity. In previous studies, we have shown the potent antimicrobial activity of Octominin against Candida albicans and Acinetobacter baumannii. This study is focused on the nanoencapsulation of Octominin with chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) as a drug delivery system using the ionotropic gelation technique. Octominin-encapsulated CS nanoparticles (Octominin-CNPs) had an average diameter and zeta potential of 372.80 ± 2.31 nm and +51.23 ± 0.38 mV, respectively, while encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were 96.49 and 40.20%, respectively. Furthermore, Octominin-CNPs showed an initial rapid and later sustained biphasic release profile, and up to 88.26 ± 3.26% of the total Octominin release until 96 h. Transmission electron microscopy data showed the irregular shape of the Octominin-CNPs with aggregations. In vitro and in vivo toxicity of Octominin-CNPs was significantly lower than the Octominin at higher concentrations. The antifungal and antibacterial activities of Octominin-CNPs were slightly higher than those of Octominin in both the time-kill kinetic and microbial viability assays against C. albicans and A. baumannii, respectively. Mode of action assessments of Octominin-CNPs revealed that morphological alterations, cell membrane permeability alterations, and reactive oxygen species generation were slightly higher than those of Octominin at the tested concentrations against both C. albicans and A. baumannii. In antibiofilm activity assays, Octominin-CNPs showed slightly higher biofilm inhibition and biofilm eradication activities compared to that of Octominin. In conclusion, Octominin was successfully encapsulated into CS, and Octominin-CNPs showed lower toxicity and greater antimicrobial activity against C. albicans and A. baumannii compared to Octominin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles)

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Review

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41 pages, 1586 KiB

Open AccessReview

Trends in Photothermal Nanostructures for Antimicrobial Applications

by Violeta Dediu, Jana Ghitman, Gratiela Gradisteanu Pircalabioru, Kiat Hwa Chan, Florina Silvia Iliescu and Ciprian Iliescu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9375; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119375 - 27 May 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3154

Abstract

The rapid development of antimicrobial resistance due to broad antibiotic utilisation in the healthcare and food industries and the non-availability of novel antibiotics represents one of the most critical public health issues worldwide. Current advances in nanotechnology allow new materials to address drug-resistant [...] Read more.

The rapid development of antimicrobial resistance due to broad antibiotic utilisation in the healthcare and food industries and the non-availability of novel antibiotics represents one of the most critical public health issues worldwide. Current advances in nanotechnology allow new materials to address drug-resistant bacterial infections in specific, focused, and biologically safe ways. The unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and wide range of adaptability of nanomaterials that exhibit photothermal capability can be employed to develop the next generation of photothermally induced controllable hyperthermia as antibacterial nanoplatforms. Here, we review the current state of the art in different functional classes of photothermal antibacterial nanomaterials and strategies to optimise antimicrobial efficiency. The recent achievements and trends in developing photothermally active nanostructures, including plasmonic metals, semiconductors, and carbon-based and organic photothermal polymers, and antibacterial mechanisms of action, including anti-multidrug-resistant bacteria and biofilm removal, will be discussed. Insights into the mechanisms of the photothermal effect and various factors influencing photothermal antimicrobial performance, emphasising the structure–performance relationship, are discussed. We will examine the photothermal agents’ functionalisation for specific bacteria, the effects of the near-infrared light irradiation spectrum, and active photothermal materials for multimodal synergistic-based therapies to minimise side effects and maintain low costs. The most relevant applications are presented, such as antibiofilm formation, biofilm penetration or ablation, and nanomaterial-based infected wound therapy. Practical antibacterial applications employing photothermal antimicrobial agents, alone or in synergistic combination with other nanomaterials, are considered. Existing challenges and limitations in photothermal antimicrobial therapy and future perspectives are presented from the structural, functional, safety, and clinical potential points of view. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles)

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23 pages, 2372 KiB

Open AccessReview

Fighting Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus with Targeted Nanoparticles

by Stéphanie Andrade, Maria J. Ramalho, Sílvio B. Santos, Luís D. R. Melo, Rita S. Santos, Nuno Guimarães, Nuno F. Azevedo, Joana A. Loureiro and Maria C. Pereira

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(10), 9030; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24109030 - 20 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2048

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered one of the greatest threats to global health. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains at the core of this threat, accounting for about 90% of S. aureus infections widespread in the community and hospital settings. In recent years, the [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered one of the greatest threats to global health. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains at the core of this threat, accounting for about 90% of S. aureus infections widespread in the community and hospital settings. In recent years, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) has emerged as a promising strategy to treat MRSA infections. NPs can act directly as antibacterial agents via antibiotic-independent activity and/or serve as drug delivery systems (DDSs), releasing loaded antibiotics. Nonetheless, directing NPs to the infection site is fundamental for effective MRSA treatment so that highly concentrated therapeutic agents are delivered to the infection site while directly reducing the toxicity to healthy human cells. This leads to decreased AMR emergence and less disturbance of the individual’s healthy microbiota. Hence, this review compiles and discusses the scientific evidence related to targeted NPs developed for MRSA treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles)

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