Nanotechnology-based antimicrobial therapy represents a paradigm shift in combating infectious diseases, particularly in an era grappling with escalating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). At Protheragen, we are at the forefront of innovating solutions for the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance through our comprehensive preclinical nanotechnology-based antimicrobial therapy development services.
Overview of Nanotechnology-Based Antimicrobial Therapy
Nanotechnology-based antimicrobial therapy represents a cutting-edge approach in the fight against microbial infections. As traditional antibiotics face increasing resistance from pathogens, nanotechnology offers a novel solution by leveraging the unique properties of nanoscale materials. These materials, often measuring between 1 and 100 nanometers, exhibit enhanced reactivity and the ability to interact with microbial cells at a molecular level. This interaction allows for more effective disruption of bacterial membranes, inhibition of essential cellular processes, and ultimately, the eradication of infections. The development of such therapies is crucial in addressing the global challenge of antibiotic resistance and ensuring effective treatment options for a wide range of microbial diseases.
Fig.1 The potential for nanotechnology to develop in critical care medicine research and experiments in the coming years. (Chen X., et al., 2023)
Development of Nanotechnology-Based Antimicrobial Therapy
The current landscape of nanotechnology-based antimicrobial therapy is dynamic and rapidly expanding, driven by the urgent need for novel solutions to AMR. Research and development efforts are primarily focused on several key areas, including the synthesis of new antimicrobial nanoparticles, the design of sophisticated nanocarrier systems, and the exploration of combination therapies.
Table 1. List of various nanomaterials, synthesis information, and their mechanism of action against pathogens. (Rai M., et al., 2016)
| Name of nanoparticle |
Synthesis approach |
Size range (nm) |
Test organism |
Mechanism of action |
| Silver |
Biological |
75 |
E. coli, Staph. aureus and Enterococcus faecalis |
Interaction with the bacterial membrane |
| Silver |
Chemical |
39 |
E. coli |
Disruption of the cell membrane and electron transport; DNA damage |
| Silver |
Chemical and Biological |
5 10–40 |
E. coli and Staph. aureus |
Multiple mechanisms (such as interaction with thiol groups in proteins and enzymes, inhibition of DNA replication, induction of oxidative stress, depletion of ATP levels) |
| Iron oxide |
Chemical |
9 ± 4 |
Staph. aureus |
ROS, damage to proteins and DNA |
| Zero-valent iron |
Chemical |
10–80 |
E. coli |
ROS |
| Titanium dioxide |
Physical |
79 |
E. coli |
ROS generation |
| ZnO |
Physical |
18 nm |
E. coli, Ps. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, and Staph. aureus |
ROS production and accumulation of nanoparticles |
| CuO |
Physical |
22 nm |
E. coli, Ps. aeruginosa, B. subtilis, and Staph. aureus |
ROS production and accumulation of nanoparticles |
| ZnO/MWCNT |
|
|
Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, E. coli, E. faecalis, and Staph. aureus |
Cell walls and membranes were disrupted, inducing the intracellular release of DNA and RNA and a reduction in bacterial membrane potential |
| M@TiO2 (M = Ag, Pd, Au, Pt) nanocomposite |
Chemical |
200–400 nm |
E. coli |
Attacking the respiratory chain, and cell division |
Our Services
Protheragen is at the forefront of nanotechnology-based antimicrobial therapy development, offering comprehensive services to transform innovative concepts into effective therapeutic solutions. Our expertise spans the entire development process, from material selection and synthesis to functionalization and application development. We specialize in creating customized nanoparticles and nanocomposites tailored to specific antimicrobial needs, ensuring optimal efficacy and safety.
Workflow of Nanotechnology-Based Antimicrobial Therapy Development
Material Selection and Synthesis
The development process begins with the selection of appropriate nanomaterials based on their antimicrobial properties, biocompatibility, and stability. Protheragen employs advanced synthesis techniques, such as chemical reduction and green synthesis, to produce nanoparticles with desired characteristics. These methods ensure high purity and consistent quality, essential for effective antimicrobial therapy.
Functionalization and Modification
Once synthesized, nanoparticles undergo surface functionalization to enhance their antimicrobial activity and targeting capabilities. Protheragen's expertise in functionalization allows us to tailor nanoparticles with specific functional groups or biomolecules, improving their interaction with microbial cells and reducing the risk of resistance development.
Characterization and Testing
Comprehensive characterization of nanoparticles is performed using state-of-the-art techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These methods provide detailed insights into the size, shape, and structure of nanoparticles, ensuring optimal performance. Biological testing, including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays, evaluates antimicrobial efficacy against various pathogens. Additionally, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity studies ensure the safety of nanoparticles for human use.
Optional Nanomaterials
- Metal Nanoparticles: Silver, Copper, and Gold
- Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: Carbon Nanotubes, Fullerenes, and Graphene Oxide
- Polymeric Nanomaterials: Chitosan and PLGA
- Dendrimers: Polyamidoamine and Functionalized Variants
- Nanocomposites: Silver-Embedded and Copper-Embedded Materials
Protheragen develops sophisticated drug delivery systems using nanoparticles, ensuring targeted delivery and controlled release of antimicrobial agents. Our systems maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects, providing clients with innovative solutions for treating microbial infections. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to
contact us.
References
- Chen, Xuefang, et al. "The role of nanotechnology-based approaches for clinical infectious diseases and public health." Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 11 (2023): 1146252.
- Rai, Mahendra, et al. "Nanotechnology based anti-infectives to fight microbial intrusions." Journal of Applied Microbiology 120.3 (2016): 527-542.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
