Unleashing the promise of emerging nanomaterials as a sustainable platform to mitigate antimicrobial resistance

The emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacterial strains and biofilm-associated diseases have heightened concerns about exploring alternative bactericidal methods. The WHO estimates that at least 700 000 deaths yearly are attributable to antimicrobial resistance, and that number could increase to 10 million annual deaths by 2050 if appropriate measures are not taken. Therefore, the increasing threat of AR bacteria and biofilm-related infections has created an urgent demand for scientific research to identify novel antimicrobial therapies. Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as a promising alternative due to their unique physicochemical properties, and ongoing research holds great promise for developing effective NMs-based treatments for bacterial and viral infections. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of NMs based mechanisms combat bacterial infections, particularly those caused by acquired antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, this review examines NMs design features and attributes that can be optimized to enhance their efficacy as antimicrobial agents. In addition, plant-based NMs have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections due to their reduced toxicity compared to other NMs. The potential of plant mediated NMs for preventing AR is also discussed. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of understanding the properties and mechanisms of NMs for the development of effective strategies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Origin of Antibiotics and Antibiotic Resistance, and Their Impacts on Drug Development: A Narrative Review

Antibiotics have revolutionized medicine, saving countless lives since their discovery in the early 20th century. However, the origin of antibiotics is now overshadowed by the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance. This global crisis stems from the relentless adaptability of microorganisms, driven by misuse and overuse of antibiotics. This article explores the origin of antibiotics and the subsequent emergence of antibiotic resistance. It delves into the mechanisms employed by bacteria to develop resistance, highlighting the dire consequences of drug resistance, including compromised patient care, increased mortality rates, and escalating healthcare costs. The article elucidates the latest strategies against drug-resistant microorganisms, encompassing innovative approaches such as phage therapy, CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and the exploration of natural compounds. Moreover, it examines the profound impact of antibiotic resistance on drug development, rendering the pursuit of new antibiotics economically challenging. The limitations and challenges in developing novel antibiotics are discussed, along with hurdles in the regulatory process that hinder progress in this critical field. Proposals for modifying the regulatory process to facilitate antibiotic development are presented. The withdrawal of major pharmaceutical firms from antibiotic research is examined, along with potential strategies to re-engage their interest. The article also outlines initiatives to overcome economic challenges and incentivize antibiotic development, emphasizing international collaborations and partnerships. Finally, the article sheds light on government-led initiatives against antibiotic resistance, with a specific focus on the Middle East. It discusses the proactive measures taken by governments in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to combat this global threat. In the face of antibiotic resistance, a multifaceted approach is imperative. This article provides valuable insights into the complex landscape of antibiotic development, regulatory challenges, and collaborative efforts required to ensure a future where antibiotics remain effective tools in safeguarding public health.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Inorganic Nanoparticles

Antibiotics are being less effective, which leads to high mortality in patients with infections and a high cost for the recovery of health, and the projections that are had for the future are not very encouraging which has led to consider antimicrobial resistance as a global health problem and to be the object of study by researchers. Although resistance to antibiotics occurs naturally, its appearance and spread have been increasing rapidly due to the inappropriate use of antibiotics in recent decades. A bacterium becomes resistant due to the transfer of genes encoding antibiotic resistance. Bacteria constantly mutate; therefore, their defense mechanisms mutate, as well. Nanotechnology plays a key role in antimicrobial resistance due to materials modified at the nanometer scale, allowing large numbers of molecules to assemble to have a dynamic interface. These nanomaterials act as carriers, and their design is mainly focused on introducing the temporal and spatial release of the payload of antibiotics. In addition, they generate new antimicrobial modalities for the bacteria, which are not capable of protecting themselves. So, nanoparticles are an adjunct mechanism to improve drug potency by reducing overall antibiotic exposure. These nanostructures can overcome cell barriers and deliver antibiotics to the cytoplasm to inhibit bacteria. This work aims to give a general vision between the antibiotics, the nanoparticles used as carriers, bacteria resistance, and the possible mechanisms that occur between them.

In silico evaluation of the antibacterial and modulatory activity of lapachol and nor-lapachol derivates

The aim of this research was to investigate the pharmacological properties of 2-(2-hydroxyethylamine)-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-1,4-dihydro-1,4-naphthalenedione, 2-(2-hydroxy-ethylamine)-3-(2-methyl-propenyl)-[1,4]naphthoquinone and 2-(3-hydroxy-propylamine)-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-[1,4]naphthoquinone using computational prediction models, in addition to evaluating the in vitro antibacterial and modulatory activity of these compounds against bacterial ATCC strains and clinical isolates. The substances were synthesized from 2-hydroxy-quinones, lapachol and nor-lapachol obtaining the corresponding 2-methoxylated derivatives via dimethyl sulfate alkylation in a basic medium, these then reacted chemoselectively with 2-ethanolamine and 3-propanolamine to form the corresponding amino alcohols. The antibacterial activity and modulatory activity of the substances were assayed by broth microdilution method to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The molecular structures were analyzed using the ChEMBL database to predict possible pharmacological targets, which pointed to the molecule 2- (2-hydroxy-ethylamine)-3-(2-methyl-propenyl)-[1,4]naphthoquinone as a probable antibacterial agent for the proteins Replicative DNA helicase and RecA. The compounds had a low molecular weight and a small number of rotatable bonds. The MICs of the substances were not clinically significant, however, the association with gentamicin and amikacin reduced the MICs of these antibiotics. In conclusion, the combination of these substances with aminoglycosides may be a therapeutic alternative to bacterial resistance and the reduction of side effects.