Abstract

Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles: Mechanisms of Action and Biomedical Applications

Authors: Umm Ul Khair, Hammad khan, Humaid Luthufi, Muhammad Abdullah Qureshi, Areeqa Rehman, Muqadas, Syed Rizwan Ahmad, Muhammad Husnain and Zohaib Saeed

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.71081/cvj/2025.058

Abstract
Nanoparticles (NP) have emerged as a versatile source of an antimicrobial substance that is known to be efficient against viruses, protozoa, fungi and bacteria. Their size dependence, which is unique, and the high surface-area-to-volume ratio and tuneable surface chemistry make the antimicrobial peptides interactive with microbial cells along a different mechanism in comparison to classical antibiotics. The review will combine the existing information on the mechanism of action of nanoparticles as antimicrobial agent, give the overview of various major classes of nanoparticles (metallic, metal oxide nuclei, polymeric, lipid based and hybrid systems), and discusses previous and possible biomedical applications. A special focus is being done on mechanistic pathways through membrane disruption, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), release of metal ions, interaction with intracellular targets and anti-biofilm activity. The review is also concerned with methodological concerns in antimicrobial testing, in vivo and translational innovations; wound dressings, implant overcoats, drug delivery vehicles, diagnostic platforms and addresses seriously safety, resistance progeny and regulatory concerns. Conclusively, future directions are also given that will ensure the safety of the research towards clinical translation, and it will be less harmful in terms of environmental and toxicological risks.

Keywords: Antimicrobial; Biofilm; Biomedical applications; Drug delivery; Nanoparticles; Reactive oxygen species; Silver nanoparticles; Toxicity