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Antimicrobial Nanoparticles: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions
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Antimicrobial Nanoparticles: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2026 | Viewed by 2699

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Carmen Curutiu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: microbiology; immunology; virulence factors; pathogens; antimicrobial materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Alina Maria Holban

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: alternative antimicrobials; molecular microbiology; biofilm modulation; host–pathogen interactions; antibacterial nanoparticles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the application of nanoparticles has rapidly expanded into multiple fields. Their antimicrobial properties have attracted the attention of researchers in both medicine and ecology or food control. With the rise of antibiotic resistance, nanoparticles offer targeted delivery, enhanced sensitivity, and the ability to overcome biofilm resistance. They therefore represent a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. Despite their safety, their cytotoxicity and biocompatibility, effects on normal microbiota and environmental impact must be clarified.

This Special Issue  aims to compile recent findings and  perspectives regarding the synethesis, properties, mechanism of action, and effects of antimicrobial nanoparticles over time, and welcomes the submission of original research articles and reviews. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Nanoparticles in infection control
  • Synthesis of new nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties
  • Synergistic effect of nanoparticles with other compounds
  • Nanoparticles with antibiofilm activity
  • Interaction between nanoparticles and normal microbiota
  • Nanoparticles application  in wastewater treatment
  • Antimicrobial nanoparticles in food industry

Dr. Carmen Curutiu
Dr. Alina Maria Holban
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antimicrobial activity
  • nanoparticles
  • biofilm nano-modulators
  • antibiotic resistence
  • wastewater treatment
  • preservative properties of nanoparticles

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 2416 KB  
Article
Porcine Skin-Derived Silver Nanoparticles: A Novel Green Synthesis Approach and Molecular Characterization of Their Antimicrobial Potential
by Kyoung Ran Kim, Bummo Koo, Min Woo Lee, Hyeong-Dong Kim, Jong Ryeul Sohn and Suhng Wook Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3521; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083521 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 487
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely recognized for their potent antibacterial properties and diverse biomedical applications. While conventional synthesis methods typically rely on chemical-reducing agents that may pose risks to human health and the environment, this study proposes an eco-friendly green synthesis approach utilizing [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely recognized for their potent antibacterial properties and diverse biomedical applications. While conventional synthesis methods typically rely on chemical-reducing agents that may pose risks to human health and the environment, this study proposes an eco-friendly green synthesis approach utilizing porcine skin extracts. The extracts were prepared through thermal treatment and filtration to serve as a biological reducing agent. Successful synthesis was validated using dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated against multidrug-resistant microorganisms, demonstrating significant growth inhibition across various antibiotic-resistant strains. These findings suggest that porcine skin—a readily available bioresource—is a promising precursor for the sustainable production of AgNPs with broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Nanoparticles: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions)
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13 pages, 1803 KB  
Article
Exploring Antibacterial Properties of Mechanochemically Synthesized MgAl2O4 Spinel Nanoparticles for Dental and Medical Applications
by Alejandro L. Vega Jiménez, Adriana-Patricia Rodríguez-Hernández, América R. Vázquez-Olmos, Roberto E. Luna-Ramírez, Roberto Y. Sato-Berrú and Roxana Marisol Calderón-Olvera
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010438 - 31 Dec 2025
Viewed by 821
Abstract
Magnesium aluminate spinel nanoparticles (MgAl2O4-S-NPs) represent a promising class of nanoceramics with potential biomedical applications due to their physicochemical stability and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to determine the structural characteristics, composition, and biological performance of MgAl2O [...] Read more.
Magnesium aluminate spinel nanoparticles (MgAl2O4-S-NPs) represent a promising class of nanoceramics with potential biomedical applications due to their physicochemical stability and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to determine the structural characteristics, composition, and biological performance of MgAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles that were synthesized via a mechanochemical method. Structural and compositional characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Helicobacter pylori and Enterococcus faecalis using bacterial viability assays. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed the successful formation of single-phase cubic MgAl2O4 with a polyhedral morphology and nanoscale size distribution. Bacterial viability was quantified through optical density measurements following exposure to MgAl2O4-S-NPs at different concentrations. The nanoparticles exhibited both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects, with activity being demonstrated against the tested bacterial strains. Mechanochemically synthesized MgAl2O4-S-NPs are promising candidates for biomedical applications, including dental materials, antimicrobial coatings, and infection-control strategies. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of MgAl2O4-S-NPs as effective antimicrobial agents that can be produced through an environmentally friendly synthesis route. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Nanoparticles: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions)
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18 pages, 3270 KB  
Article
Characterization and Antimicrobial Assessment of Cadmium Sulfide Nanoparticles
by Ezinne Uchechi Ekwujuru, Moses Gbenga Peleyeju, Cornelius Ssemakalu, Mzimkhulu Monapathi and Michael Klink
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010432 - 31 Dec 2025
Viewed by 856
Abstract
Resistance to conventional antibiotics remains a global health challenge. The search for more effective antimicrobial agents has led to the consideration of nanoparticles due to their potential biocidal activities. This study synthesized, characterized, and evaluated the antimicrobial behavior of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdS [...] Read more.
Resistance to conventional antibiotics remains a global health challenge. The search for more effective antimicrobial agents has led to the consideration of nanoparticles due to their potential biocidal activities. This study synthesized, characterized, and evaluated the antimicrobial behavior of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdS NPs) during incubations at 37 °C and at room temperature (rt; 23 to 27 °C). XRD results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles had a cubic zinc blende structure, while microscopic investigations confirmed the particle size to be 7.236 nm on average. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed that the nanoparticles are active in the visible light region. Raman spectroscopy results showed peaks at 302.3 cm−1 and 601 cm−1, which represent the first- and second-order longitudinal optical phonon. Agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were conducted to investigate the antimicrobial activity of CdS NPs (50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. CdS NPs were effective against both test organisms. However, they were more effective against Gram-negative E. coli. The higher the concentration of CdS NPs, the more effective they were against the test organisms. Furthermore, MBC results showed greater bactericidal activity of CdS NPs at 37 °C. With increasing incidences of antimicrobial resistance against conventional antimicrobial agents, especially in wastewater treatment, nanoparticles are considered promising alternatives and the next generation of antimicrobial agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Nanoparticles: Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions)
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