Nanoparticles are More Successful Competitor than Antibiotics in Treating Bacterial Infections: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

The crisis of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is one of the most important concerns of World Health Organization (WHO), which requires further global research and studies in order to develop more effective antimicrobial compounds. Nanoparticles as an alternative to antibiotics have been widely used to target bacteria and they are useful in the treatment of bacterial infections. In this narrative review study, the advantages of using nanoparticles against bacteria are discussed. Due to their unique properties compared to the bulk form, nanoparticles have a high potential to be used as carriers and adjuvants with the ability to strengthen the immune system and fight bacteria using several mechanisms simultaneously. Recently, a number of nanoparticle-based drugs have been designed and used for clinical use as an alternative to antibiotics. Despite special attention to nanoparticles, their antibacterial mechanisms are not very well known. However, in this study, we have examined in detail a number of accepted antibacterial mechanisms such as oxidative stress induced by ROS and the function of nanoparticles for releasing soluble metal ions. Further over, we also examined important factors affecting the antibacterial properties of nanoparticles, including size, charge, zeta potential, and surface morphology will be investigated too. The limitations of the research will also be discussed.

Keywords

• nanoparticles
• antimicrobial activity
• microbial resistance
• antibiotic