Chapter 21 - Can bio-nanotechnology be effective against multi drug resistant (MDR) pathogens?

Abstract

Diseases caused by multi drug resistant (MDR) pathogens are of increasing global concern as these infections are difficult to treat and result in a significant number of mortality. Though the antibiotics were considered as magic bullets, frequent use and misuse/overuse of antibiotics have resulted in the selection and emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Bacteria become resistant to antibiotics by different mechanisms such as active efflux of the drug molecules, decreased permeability of drugs, presence of enzymes that inactivates the drug, mutation, posttranscriptional or posttranslational modification of the antibiotic agent's target, etc. The emergence and rapid dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in clinical settings result in treatment failure and prolonged hospitalization. Nanotechnology provides new insights into the effective treatment and management of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Several nano particles/nano-bio conjugates have proven broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. There are several modes of action of nanoparticles such as inhibition of biofilm formation, formation of reactive oxygen species, membrane penetration, and inhibition of protein and nucleic acid synthesis. AuNPs, AgNPs, ZnO NPs, CuONPs, Fe3O4 NPs, TiO2 NPs, and MgO NPs can be used as antibacterial agents and as effective drug delivery agents for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. More studies should be carried out to better understand the mode of action, metabolism, toxic effects, and route of administration of nano particles.