Revealing molecular dynamics of nanoparticles' antimicrobial activity, toxicities and coping up strategies

Abstract

There is a growing interest in nanoformulations of medicinal drugs for antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprastic, and antioxidant drug delivery applications by researchers. Using nanoformulations, the conventional medicines have enhanced their functional properties and are more targeted to specific distribution sites. Some Nanoformulations gaining prominence in the pharmaceutical industry are hydrogels, nanocrystals, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, and micelles. The metal nanoparticles (silver, gold, iron oxide, and others) and nanoemulsions cause protein and DNA damage, producinge ROS (reactive oxygen species) as salient antimicrobial tools. Nanomaterials have been utilized in biomedical applications, spanning metals, nonmetallic/inorganic materials, and biodegradable materials. Human cells exhibit toxicity (e.g.Titanium dioxide) towards nanoparticles (NPs) due to the presence of synthetic chemicals as surface functional agents. Consequently, the nanoparticles alone can induce hepatotoxicity, skin sensitization, and damage. A focus on strategies such as coupling agents has been used in recent advancements aimed at reducing the toxicity of nanoformulations. These modified nanostructures provide safer and more efficient biomedical applications by reducing toxicity and enhancing antimicrobial activity.