Antibacterial Applications of Novel Nanoscale Biocompounds

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2026) | Viewed by 1415

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Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine—Scientific Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Casilla 54-D, Temuco 4780000, Chile
Interests: micro/nanoencapsulation; tissue regeneration; wound healing; drug delivery systems
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Guest Editor
Center of Plant, Soil Interaction and Natural Resources Biotechnology, Scientific and Biotechnological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
Interests: lipid nanoparticles; metalloid-based nanoparticles; antimicrobial resistance; functionalized nanoparticles; biogenic nanoparticles; bacterial biofilms; respiratory infections; oral infections; photodynamic therapy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance due to the overuse of antimicrobials, together with the existence of naturally untreatable infections, demonstrates the urgent need to discover and generate novel antimicrobials. In this regard, nanotechnology has emerged in recent years as a novel strategy to combat pathogenic microorganisms, offering a viable alternative to conventional antimicrobials with excellent prospects. Investigations into the diagnosis, treatment, and possible prevention of infectious diseases are currently underway with nanostructured materials. Furthermore, the creation of antimicrobial compounds has had a significant positive impact on the food, pharmaceutical, and textile industries, among others. Nevertheless, little is known about their precise method of action, how they affect drug-resistant bacteria, and the dangers involved in using them as antibacterial agents. Antibacterial nanoparticles are safe when used at specified levels, according to many studies, but their effects on beneficial microorganisms—such as humans, animals, and soil microbiota—are a source of worry. At this point, it is important to highlight that nanoscale compounds can be synthesized through biological, physical, and chemical methods. In general, the synthesis of nano-based materials using organisms such as plants, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and algae is less expensive and safer since it uses eco-friendly, non-toxic materials. Moreover, biogenic nanoformulations are much more stable than those produced by non-green methods due to the natural coating or organic materials on the surface, which prevent agglomeration and uncontrolled growth.

Thus, compiling contemporary research and viewpoints on bio-inspired antimicrobial nanomaterials is the goal of this Special Issue. We seek original research papers, reviews, short reviews, and perspective works that present novel insights or points of view about the use of nanoscale substances in microbiology.

Dr. Francisca Acevedo
Dr. Eulàlia Sans Serramitjana
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • antimicrobial agent delivery
  • biopolymers
  • electrospun fibers/scaffolds
  • drug–polymer–fiber interactions
  • biofilms
  • microbial resistance
  • antimicrobial nanoparticles
  • nanobiomolecules
  • nanocoatings
  • functionalized nanomaterials

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

25 pages, 4238 KB  
Article
Advanced Antibacterial Nanocomposite Fibers for Biomedical Applications
by Francisca Acevedo, Manuel Azocar, Eulàlia Sans-Serramitjana, Jeyson Hermosilla, Felipe Gálvez-Jirón, Denisse Bravo, Dayaimi Gonzalez, Gabriela Guajardo, Cristóbal Guajardo and Rodrigo Navia
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(6), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18060711 - 9 Jun 2026
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Wound infections represent a major clinical challenge due to their polymicrobial nature, biofilm formation, and increasing antimicrobial resistance, which compromise conventional treatments. This study aimed to develop and evaluate ligand-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with improved antimicrobial activity and cytocompatibility, and to investigate [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Wound infections represent a major clinical challenge due to their polymicrobial nature, biofilm formation, and increasing antimicrobial resistance, which compromise conventional treatments. This study aimed to develop and evaluate ligand-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with improved antimicrobial activity and cytocompatibility, and to investigate their incorporation into electrospun nanofibers for wound management. Methods: Four AgNP formulations stabilized with citrate, cysteine, ketorolac, and diclofenac were synthesized via chemical reduction. Physicochemical characterization included surface plasmon resonance and zeta potential measurements. Antimicrobial activity was assessed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal assays against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal strains. Toxicity was evaluated using the HET-CAM assay, while cytocompatibility was determined in fibroblasts, MG-63 cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. Diclofenac-stabilized AgNPs were incorporated into electrospun PCL/PEO nanofibers to generate a functional nanocomposite system. Results: All AgNPs exhibited a characteristic SPR at ~400 nm and high colloidal stability. Diclofenac-stabilized AgNPs (dc-AgNPs) showed the highest antimicrobial activity, with MIC values of 18.8 mg/L against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 4.7 mg/L against Candida albicans, along with strong bactericidal effects. HET-CAM assays indicated negligible irritation at concentrations up to 75 mg/L. Cytocompatibility results revealed a dose-dependent response, with fibroblasts being more sensitive. Electrospun nanofibers loaded with dc-AgNPs achieved a 2.6 log reduction against Streptococcus mutans and moderate reductions (0.4–0.7 log) against other pathogens. Conclusions: Ligand engineering critically influences the antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility of AgNPs. The incorporation of dc-AgNPs into electrospun nanofibers represents a promising approach for treating biofilm-associated wound infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antibacterial Applications of Novel Nanoscale Biocompounds)
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