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Review
. 2024 Jan 25;13(2):121.
doi: 10.3390/antibiotics13020121.

Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

Petros Ioannou  1 , Stella Baliou  1 , George Samonis  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections

Petros Ioannou et al. Antibiotics (Basel). .

Abstract

The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), along with the relative reduction in the production of new antimicrobials, significantly limits the therapeutic options in infectious diseases. Thus, novel treatments, especially in the current era, where AMR is increasing, are urgently needed. There are several ongoing studies on non-classical therapies for infectious diseases, such as bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides, and nanotechnology, among others. Nanomaterials involve materials on the nanoscale that could be used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. This review provides an overview of the applications of nanotechnology in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases from a clinician's perspective, with a focus on pathogens with AMR. Applications of nanomaterials in diagnosis, by taking advantage of their electrochemical, optic, magnetic, and fluorescent properties, are described. Moreover, the potential of metallic or organic nanoparticles (NPs) in the treatment of infections is also addressed. Finally, the potential use of NPs in the development of safe and efficient vaccines is also reviewed. Further studies are needed to prove the safety and efficacy of NPs that would facilitate their approval by regulatory authorities for clinical use.

Keywords: Gram-negative; Gram-positive; antimicrobial resistance; extensively-drug resistant; multi-drug resistant; nanotechnology; pan-drug resistant.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Characteristics of nanoparticles in terms of shape, composition, targeting ligands, and surface function.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Mechanism of action of nanoparticles in the treatment of infectious diseases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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