Countering drug resistance, infectious diseases, and sepsis using metal and metal oxides nanoparticles: Current status.
One fourth of the global mortalities is still caused by microbial infections largely due to the development of resistance against conventional antibiotics among pathogens, the resurgence of old infectious diseases and the emergence of hundreds of new infectious diseases. The lack of funds and resources for the discovery of new antibiotics necessitates the search for economic and effective alternative antimicrobial agents. Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles including silver and zinc oxide exhibit remarkable antimicrobial activities against pathogens and hence are one of the most propitious alternative antimicrobial agents. These engineered nanomaterials are approved by regulatory agencies such as USFDA and Korea's FITI, for use as antimicrobial agents, supplementary antimicrobials, food packaging, skin care products, oral hygiene, and for fortifying devices prone to microbial infections. Nevertheless, detailed studies, on molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying their antimicrobial activity are missing. To take the full advantage of this emerging technology selective antimicrobial activity of these nanoparticles against pathogens should be studied. Optimization of these nanomaterials through functionalization to increase their efficacy and biocompatibility is also required. Urgent in vivo studies on the toxicity of nanomaterials at realistic doses are also needed before their clinical translation.
Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; DNA Research Chair, Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia. Electronic address: shamsalig75@gmail.com.
Shams Tabrez
ST
Khan
Department of Ag. Microbiology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, AMU, Aligarh 202002, India.
Javed
J
Musarrat
Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
Abdulaziz A
AA
Al-Khedhairy
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004351:Drug Resistance / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D036103:Nanotechnology; D010087:Oxides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D010087:Oxides
Alternative antimicrobials; Antimicrobial resistance; Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles