Curr Drug Deliv. 2026 Jun 2. doi: 10.2174/0115672018415077251201092315. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a major global health threat, driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Traditional drug delivery systems face significant limitations in effectively addressing this issue, including poor targeting, low bioavailability, and the development of resistance. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (NDDS) have emerged as a novel approach to overcome these limitations and combat resistant bacteria by improving drug delivery and targeting. This review aims to evaluate the mechanisms of AMR and the effectiveness of nanoparticle- based drug delivery systems in combating resistant bacteria.

METHODS: The methodology employed in this review involved a systematic search of peer-reviewed literature in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search strategy focused on identifying relevant articles using keywords and phrases such as « nanoparticle drug delivery systems, » « antimicrobial resistance, » « nanomedicine, » « liposomes, » « nanoemulsions, » and « polymeric nanoparticles. » The review included studies evaluating the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, the applications of NDDS, and their implications and advancements in combating AMR.

RESULTS: Nanoscale drug delivery vehicles and antibacterial nanoparticles have demonstrated significant potential as effective treatments for infections. Nanoparticles, with their small and controllable size, offer unique properties such as enhanced reactivity, a functionalizable structure, and a high surface area-to-volume ratio. NDDS, including liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and metal nanoparticles, have gained attention due to their ability to enhance drug bioavailability and targeting effectiveness.

CONCLUSION: Nanoparticles present a promising strategy to combat AMR. Their capacity to bypass traditional resistance mechanisms and improve drug delivery underscores their potential in the development of effective antimicrobial therapies. Further research is essential to optimize nanoparticle formulations for clinical translation, ensuring their safety and efficacy in treating resistant bacterial infections. This review highlights the importance of integrating nanotechnology into antimicrobial strategies to address the growing challenge of AMR.

PMID:42253255 | DOI:10.2174/0115672018415077251201092315