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Pharmaceutics
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Nanotechnology in Antibacterial Drug Delivery
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Nanotechnology in Antibacterial Drug Delivery

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2025) | Viewed by 6910

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Sharon Shui Yee Leung

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Interests: pulmonary drug delivery; bacteriophage therapy; biological antibacterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial resistance has been recognized as one of the top global health threats. Facing the continuous challenges from “superbugs”, we are running out of effective antibiotics and stepping into the “post-antibiotic era”. This Special Issue, titled “Nanotechnology in Antibacterial Drug Delivery”, aims to explore the transformative role of nanotechnology in enhancing the efficacy and specificity of antibacterial therapies. It is critical to adopt innovative drug delivery systems that can optimize the therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing side effects of currently available antibiotics, as well as novel antibacterials. Nanotechnology offers novel solutions through the development of nanoparticle-based carriers that can improve drug solubility, stability, and targeted delivery to infection sites.

The significance of this research area is underscored by the urgent global health challenges posed by antibiotic resistance. By leveraging nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and nanosuspensions, researchers can enhance drug penetration, facilitate controlled release, and promote synergistic effects with existing antibiogram therapies.

We invite original research articles and comprehensive reviews that investigate novel nanotechnology-based approaches to antibacterial drug delivery. Contributions addressing formulation strategies, targeting mechanisms, and the evaluation of therapeutic outcomes are particularly encouraged. Through this Special Issue, we aim to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, ultimately advancing the development of effective antibacterial therapies that leverage the potential of nanotechnology.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Sharon Shui Yee Leung
Guest Editor

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. Pharmaceutics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). 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

  • multidrug resistance
  • antibiotic resistance
  • multidrug-resistant bacteria
  • antibiotics
  • antibacterial therapies
  • nanotechnology
  • antibacterial drug delivery
  • nanoparticles
  • targeted delivery
  • controlled release

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 2300 KB  
Article
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Geranium Pelargonium x hortorum Leaf Extract and Its Biological Applications
by Alexis Hernández-Guadarrama, Christian Andrea López-Ayuso, Raquel Garza-Hernández, Sarahi García-Carvajal, Ma. Concepción Arenas-Arrocena, A. Berenice Aguilar-Guadarrama and Laura Susana Acosta-Torres
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(12), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17121562 - 4 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1277
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The main objective of this study is to report the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using an aqueous extract from Pelargonium x hortorum (P. hortorum) leaves. It also aims to evaluate its biological activity as well as [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The main objective of this study is to report the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using an aqueous extract from Pelargonium x hortorum (P. hortorum) leaves. It also aims to evaluate its biological activity as well as assess its cytotoxic effects on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Methods: Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesized through chemical precipitation using an aqueous extract from P. hortorum leaves. These CuONPs were characterized with various techniques, including UV–Vis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: The UV–Vis spectrum showed a characteristic absorption peak for CuONPs. FT-IR spectroscopy identified alkoxide and aromatic groups associated with flavonoids and phenolic compounds from P. hortorum. The Cu–O bond was also observed in the same analysis. XRD confirmed that the CuONPs had a monoclinic CuO structure and XPS revealed copper was in the Cu (II) oxidation state bonded to oxygen, consistent with CuO. The nanoparticles were spherical with an average size of 40–53 nm as shown by TEM. The biological activities of CuONPs were tested against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Candida albicans (C. albicans). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 20 µg/mL. Cytotoxicity tests on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) after 24 h showed a non-linear, dose-dependent cell viability profile, indicating CuONPs did not exhibit cytotoxicity within the tested range and could even promote cell proliferation at low and intermediate concentrations. Conclusions: This study successfully synthesized CuONPs via a green method, highlighting its potential as a biocompatible antimicrobial and antifungal agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Antibacterial Drug Delivery)
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24 pages, 6587 KB  
Article
Salicylic Acid-Mediated Silver Nanoparticle Green Synthesis: Characterization, Enhanced Antimicrobial, and Antibiofilm Efficacy
by Jingqing Zhang, Yuxu Chen, Yuanyu Xu, Zhimin Zhao and Xinjun Xu
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(4), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17040532 - 18 Apr 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2339
Abstract
Objectives: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via an easy and rapid biogenic synthesis approach, utilizing the dual capabilities of salicylic acid as both a reducing and capping agent. Methods: The characterization of Salicylic Acid-Mediated Silver Nanoparticle (SA-AgNPs) was conducted using a variety of [...] Read more.
Objectives: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via an easy and rapid biogenic synthesis approach, utilizing the dual capabilities of salicylic acid as both a reducing and capping agent. Methods: The characterization of Salicylic Acid-Mediated Silver Nanoparticle (SA-AgNPs) was conducted using a variety of techniques, including ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as thermogravimetric analysis paired with differential scanning calorimetry. Results: SA-AgNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli), with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8, 9, 8, 4, and 6 μg/mL, respectively. At a concentration of 32 μg/mL, SA-AgNPs exhibited 99.9% killing efficiency against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), within 4, 16, and 12 h, respectively. At the same concentration, SA-AgNPs effectively inhibited 95.61% of MRSA biofilm formation. SA-AgNPs induced the leakage of intracellular macromolecular substances by increasing the membrane permeability, which ultimately caused bacterial apoptosis. Conclusions: Overall, this study presents a fast and environmentally friendly approach for synthesizing SA-AgNPs, with potential applications as nano antibiotics antibacterial coatings for implantable medical devices and wound dressings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Antibacterial Drug Delivery)
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Review

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42 pages, 1112 KB  
Review
Targeting Intratumoral Bacteria for Enhanced Tumor Suppression with Nano-Based Therapeutics: A Scoping Review
by Tianxiang Yi, Zhiyou Dong and Sharon Shui Yee Leung
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(3), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18030318 - 2 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1393
Abstract
Background: Increasing evidence identifies intratumoral bacteria as key modulators of tumor progression, chemoresistance, and immunosuppression, presenting major obstacles to conventional cancer therapies. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled new strategies for selective targeting bacteria within the tumor microenvironment, potentially improving anticancer efficacy. [...] Read more.
Background: Increasing evidence identifies intratumoral bacteria as key modulators of tumor progression, chemoresistance, and immunosuppression, presenting major obstacles to conventional cancer therapies. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled new strategies for selective targeting bacteria within the tumor microenvironment, potentially improving anticancer efficacy. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to outline the current landscape of nano-based therapeutic approaches aimed at the simultaneous elimination of intratumoral bacteria and cancer. Preclinical research publications involving in vivo antitumor efficacy evaluations were retrieved from three databases, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus, using the key words “(kill* OR eradicate* OR eliminate*) AND intratumoral AND (bacteria OR infection)”. Key information from the eligible studies was extracted and analyzed. Results: The diversity of bacterial species, cancer models, and evaluation methodologies employed in these preclinical studies were summarized, followed by critical examination of the design principles, therapeutic outcomes, and translational challenges of various nanomedicine platforms, including passive and active targeting drug delivery systems, phototherapy, phage therapy, and emerging modalities. Nano-based therapeutics functionalized with both antibacterial and anticancer properties were shown to effectively overcome bacteria-induced treatment resistance. Conclusions: Targeting intratumoral bacteria may significantly enhance the efficacy of existing treatments and contribute to the evolution of precision oncology. The insights gained from this review are expected to guide future systematic reviews and inform research directions in the development of dual-functional nanomedicines for cancer therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Antibacterial Drug Delivery)
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35 pages, 1446 KB  
Review
Nano-Enabled Delivery of Phage-Based Antibacterials Against ESKAPE Pathogens
by Ayman Elbehiry, Eman Marzouk and Adil Abalkhail
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(2), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18020185 - 30 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1238
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a major clinical challenge, with Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species (ESKAPE) accounting for a substantial share of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections worldwide. These organisms undermine antibiotic efficacy [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a major clinical challenge, with Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species (ESKAPE) accounting for a substantial share of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections worldwide. These organisms undermine antibiotic efficacy through reduced permeability, surface shielding, biofilm formation, and rapid genetic adaptation, mechanisms that primarily restrict effective exposure at infection sites. Bacteriophages, phage-derived enzymes, and Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-based antimicrobials provide selective and mechanistically distinct alternatives to conventional antibiotics, but their performance in vivo is often limited by instability in physiological environments, immune neutralization, uneven tissue distribution, and insufficient access to bacteria protected by biofilms or surface-associated barriers. This narrative review examines how nanotechnology-based delivery systems can address these constraints. We first outline the delivery-relevant biological barrier characteristic of ESKAPE pathogens, then summarize the therapeutic potential and inherent limitations of whole phages, phage-derived enzymes, and CRISPR-based antimicrobials when used without formulation. Major nanotechnology platforms for antibacterial delivery are reviewed, followed by analysis of how nano-enabled systems can improve stability, localization, and persistence of these biological agents. A pathogen-aware integration framework is presented that links dominant barriers in each ESKAPE pathogen to the biological modality and nano-enabled delivery strategy most likely to enhance exposure at infection sites. Translational challenges, regulatory considerations, and emerging directions, including responsive delivery systems and personalized approaches, are also discussed. Overall, nano-enabled phage-based therapeutics represent a realistic and adaptable strategy for managing MDR ESKAPE infections. Therapeutic success depends on both continued discovery and engineering of antibacterial agents and effective delivery design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanotechnology in Antibacterial Drug Delivery)
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