Nanocarriers for antimicrobial therapy

The escalating selective pressure generated by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials has generated a situation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Due to this circumstance, there is an intensified focus on the development of innovative strategies and the implementation of advanced techniques to enhance the administration and effectiveness of antimicrobial medications. The application of nanotechnology through the utilization of nanocarriers has garnered significant interest in the realm of antimicrobial therapy owing to its potential to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs. Nanocarriers have been instrumental in the encapsulation and transportation of antimicrobial drugs, peptides, or other active substances to the infection site, thereby augmenting their therapeutic efficacy while mitigating adverse effects. In addition, nanocarriers can be tailored via material engineering to achieve desired physicochemical properties. The present chapter provides an overview of diverse categories of nanocarriers, including polymeric, lipidic, dendrimers, metallic, organic, inorganic, and other types, which are employed for the purpose of delivering antimicrobial agents or directing drug target determinants, such as efflux pumps, cell membrane permeability, biofilms, and quorum sensing in drug-resistant microorganisms. Furthermore, the chapter also sheds light on the clinical trials and applications of these nanocarriers.