Synthesis of cationic acrylate copolyvidone-iodine nanoparticles with double active centers and their antibacterial application

Exploring nanocomposites for controlling infectious microorganisms: charting the path forward in antimicrobial strategies

Nanocomposites, formed by combining a matrix (commonly polymer or ceramic) with nanofillers (nano-sized inclusions like nanoparticles or nanofibers), possess distinct attributes attributed to their composition. Their unique physicochemical properties and interaction capabilities with microbial cells position them as a promising avenue for infectious disease treatment. The escalating prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria intensifies the need for alternative solutions. Traditional approaches involve antimicrobial agents like antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, targeting specific microbial aspects. This review presents a comprehensive overview of diverse nanocomposite types and highlights the potential of tailored matrix and antibacterial agent selection within nanocomposites to enhance treatment efficacy and decrease antibiotic resistance risks. Challenges such as toxicity, safety, and scalability in clinical applications are also acknowledged. Ultimately, the convergence of nanotechnology and infectious disease research offers the prospect of enhanced therapeutic strategies, envisioning a future wherein advanced materials revolutionize the landscape of medical treatment.

Nanomaterials in the Management of Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections

The exploration of multiplexed bacterial virulence factors is a major problem in the early stages of Escherichia coli infection therapy. Traditional methods for detecting Escherichia coli (E. coli), such as serological experiments, immunoassays, polymerase chain reaction, and isothermal microcalorimetry have some drawbacks. As a result, detecting E. coli in a timely, cost-effective, and sensitive manner is critical for various areas of human safety and health. Intelligent devices based on nanotechnology are paving the way for fast and early detection of E. coli at the point of care. Due to their specific optical, magnetic, and electrical capabilities, nanostructures can play an important role in bacterial sensors. Another one of the applications involved use of nanomaterials in fighting microbial infections, including E. coli mediated infections. Various types of nanomaterials, either used directly as an antibacterial agent such as metallic nanoparticles (NPs) (silver, gold, zinc, etc.), or as a nanocarrier to deliver and target the antibiotic to the E. coli and its infected area. Among different types, polymeric NPs, lipidic nanocarriers, metallic nanocarriers, nanomicelles, nanoemulsion/ nanosuspension, dendrimers, graphene, etc. proved to be effective vehicles to deliver the drug in a controlled fashion at the targeted site with lower off-site drug leakage and side effects.

Antimicrobial Hexaaquacopper(II) Complexes with Novel Polyiodide Chains

The non-toxic inorganic antimicrobial agents iodine (I2) and copper (Cu) are interesting alternatives for biocidal applications. Iodine is broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent but its use is overshadowed by compound instability, uncontrolled iodine release and short-term effectiveness. These disadvantages can be reduced by forming complex-stabilized, polymeric polyiodides. In a facile, in-vitro synthesis we prepared the copper-pentaiodide complex [Cu(H2O)6(12-crown-4)5]I6 · 2I2, investigated its structure and antimicrobial properties. The chemical structure of the compound has been verified. We used agar well and disc-diffusion method assays against nine microbial reference strains in comparison to common antibiotics. The stable complex revealed excellent inhibition zones against C. albicans WDCM 00054, and strong antibacterial activities against several pathogens. [Cu(H2O)6(12-crown-4)5]I6 · 2I2 is a strong antimicrobial agent with an interesting crystal structure consisting of complexes located on an inversion center and surrounded by six 12-crown-4 molecules forming a cationic substructure. The six 12-crown-4 molecules form hydrogen bonds with the central Cu(H2O)6. The anionic substructure is a halogen bonded polymer which is formed by formal I5- repetition units. The topology of this chain-type polyiodide is unique. The I5- repetition units can be understood as a triodide anion connected to two iodine molecules.

Polymeric Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Therapies: An Up-To-Date Overview

Despite the many advancements in the pharmaceutical and medical fields and the development of numerous antimicrobial drugs aimed to suppress and destroy pathogenic microorganisms, infectious diseases still represent a major health threat affecting millions of lives daily. In addition to the limitations of antimicrobial drugs associated with low transportation rate, water solubility, oral bioavailability and stability, inefficient drug targeting, considerable toxicity, and limited patient compliance, the major cause for their inefficiency is the antimicrobial resistance of microorganisms. In this context, the risk of a pre-antibiotic era is a real possibility. For this reason, the research focus has shifted toward the discovery and development of novel and alternative antimicrobial agents that could overcome the challenges associated with conventional drugs. Nanotechnology is a possible alternative, as there is significant evidence of the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of nanomaterials and nanoparticles in particular. Moreover, owing to their considerable advantages regarding their efficient cargo dissolving, entrapment, encapsulation, or surface attachment, the possibility of forming antimicrobial groups for specific targeting and destruction, biocompatibility and biodegradability, low toxicity, and synergistic therapy, polymeric nanoparticles have received considerable attention as potential antimicrobial drug delivery agents. In this context, the aim of this paper is to provide an up-to-date overview of the most recent studies investigating polymeric nanoparticles designed for antimicrobial therapies, describing both their targeting strategies and their effects.