Nanobiotechnology: Current and Future Perspectives in Combating Microbial Pathogenesis

Abstract

Nanobiotechnology is the bridge between biology and chemistry interface, with disparate biomedical as well as microbiological applications. Nanomaterials, nanoconjugates and nanowires have extensively been used for the detection of diverse pathological conditions as well as in the chemotherapy of the diagnosed disorders. Targeted drug and gene delivery has been shown to produce encouraging results. In current scenario, nosocomial infections have been affecting developing countries with a high frequency. Eradication of these infections may be achieved by introduction of novel nanodrugs effective for longer duration of time as well as with fewer side effects. Some peculiar properties of nanostructures such as cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, mammalian cell compatibility and less toxicity to the environment make these nanoparticles as major candidates for various therapeutic purposes. In agriculture too, nanoparticles synthesized from marine sources or several bacteria, fungi, algae, actinomycetes and biofungicides have been shown to possess the potential to prevent the crops from pests. Nanobiotechnology provides a platform for designing and developing nanomaterials with promising effects that can be delivered at specific target sites. Combining nanoscience with biotechnology provides a broad term for exploring the design and synthesis of novel molecules which can further be inculcated in various studies. At present, microbial infections are playing a major havoc due to improper use of antibiotics in hospitals, improper use of pesticides in fields, poor sanitation as well as lack of awareness among population. In this chapter, we mainly focus on the areas affected by nanobiotechnology, such as how microbial population can be affected, current trends in microbial infection inflation rate, various nanomaterials used to combat microbial infections as well as their future aspects.