Antibiotic Resistance Breakers and Nano-Antibiotics in Mediating Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance is increasing at an alarming rate and is now widely recognized as a global issue that requires urgent attention. Globally, the demand for new drugs has increased due to multidrug-resistant pathogens and emerging viruses. One promising avenue of research involves antibiotic resistance breakers (ARBs), which may or may not have direct antibacterial effects and can either be co-administered with or conjugated with failing antibiotics. This strategy may increase an antibiotic’s spectrum and its efficacy against bacteria that have acquired resistance against it and reduce the dosage necessary for an antibiotic. In this chapter, we have discussed antibiotic resistance breakers, their classification, and mechanisms of action in combating microbial resistance. Moreover, this chapter will also focus on the nanotechnological approach, a novel delivery platform using nano-carriers used to overcome the permeability barrier encountered in resistant bacteria. Nano-carriers are also used to selectively deliver high concentrations of antibiotics locally, thus avoiding systemic side effects. Several strategies have been studied to deliver antibiotics such as the use of antimicrobial polymers, nanoparticles, and liposomes. The current study will help to understand how the resistance ability of bacteria can be overcome or reversed through antibiotic resistance breakers and nano-antibiotics.