The currently available antimicrobial drugs against pathogenic
microorganisms are inadequate to cope with the challenges of the newly emerging
multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Other shortcomings include their partial
absorption in the blood system accompanied with gastrointestinal problems such as
vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. To overcome these limitations, an alternate therapeutic
approach has to be developed through a combinatorial approach of antimicrobial agents
with nanomaterials called “nanoantibiotics”. Several research groups have already
focused on the development of novel nanoantibiotics (nAbts) that will be efficient with
better pharmacokinetic profiles and fast absorption in the blood system. The nAbts will
open up new avenues in drug research, but ample work is needed on its development
for industrial applications. In the current chapter, we will explain the current status of
different nAbts loaded systems, their release mechanisms, key targets, formulations and
mode of action. We will also describe the important features of nAbts such as size,
surface charge, hydrophobicity/philicity, biofilm formation, stimuli-receptive and
functionalization against MDR pathogens.
Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance, Bacterial Infections, Drug Delivery,
Functionalization, Loaded Systems, MDR Pathogens, Mode of Action, Microbial
Factors, Nanoantibiotics, Nanoparticles.Antimicrobial Resistance, Bacterial Infections, Drug Delivery,
Functionalization, Loaded Systems, MDR Pathogens, Mode of Action, Microbial
Factors, Nanoantibiotics, Nanoparticles.
