Journal Article Review Epublish 1 citation
PubMed: 39683711 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29235551
Advances in Metal and Metal Oxide Nanomaterials for Topical Antimicrobial Applications: Insights and Future Perspectives.
Molecules 29(23)
Authors: Belmina Saric Medic, Nikolina Tomic, Nefeli Lagopati, Maria Gazouli, Lejla Pojskic
Affiliations
- Laboratory for Human Genetics, Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str. 11527 Athens, Greece.
- 2nd Department of Radiology, Medical Physics Unit, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 1 Rimini Str. 12462 Athens, Greece.
Abstract
Nanotechnology has seen significant growth in the past few decades, with the use of nanomaterials reaching a wide scale. Given that antimicrobial resistance is peaking, nanotechnology holds distinct potential in this area. This review discusses recent applications of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agents, particularly focusing on their topical applications and their role in chronic wound therapy. We explore their use in various forms, including coated, encapsulated, and incorporated in hydrogels or as complexes, proposing them as topical antimicrobials with promising properties. Some studies have shown that metal and metal oxide nanoparticles can exhibit cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, while others have found no such properties. These effects depend on factors such as nanoparticle size, shape, concentration, and other characteristics. It is essential to establish the dose or concentration associated with potential toxic effects and to investigate the severity of these effects to determine a threshold below which metal or metal oxide nanoparticles will not produce negative outcomes. Therefore, further research should focus on safety assessments, ensuring that metal and metal oxide nanoparticles can be safely used as therapeutics in biomedical sciences.
MeSH
Nanoparticles, Metal Nanoparticles, Nanostructures, Therapeutics, Antiviral Agents