Jornal de Agentes Antimicrobianos

The Role of Nanotechnology in Enhancing Antimicrobial Efficacy

Abstract

Andres Pastor*

The rise of antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a significant global health crisis, threatening the efficacy of existing antibiotics and leading to an urgent need for innovative strategies to combat bacterial infections. Nanotechnology, the science of manipulating materials at the nanoscale, offers promising solutions to enhance antimicrobial efficacy. Through the development of nanoparticles, nanostructured materials, and nanocarriers, researchers are exploring novel approaches to improve the delivery, potency, and selectivity of antimicrobial agents. This article delves into the role of nanotechnology in enhancing antimicrobial efficacy, focusing on the mechanisms by which nanomaterials overcome resistance, their applications in various fields, and the challenges and future prospects of this rapidly evolving technology. Nanoparticles possess unique physicochemical properties that differentiate them from bulk materials, including increased surface area, enhanced reactivity, and the ability to interact with biological systems at the molecular level. These properties make nanoparticles highly effective as antimicrobial agents. Metal-based nanoparticles, such as silver, gold, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide, are among the most extensively studied for their antimicrobial activity.