Antibacterian effect of silver nanoparticles. Mechanisms of action

Authors:
  • IBIonuţ Emilian Blejan
    Ionuţ Emilian Blejan
  • AAAndreea Letiția Arsene
    Andreea Letiția Arsene
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Abstract
The in-depth knowledge of antibiotic bacterial resistance mechanisms makes it possible to modify the chemical structures of existing antibacterial drugs so they regain their effectiveness. Multidrug resistance reduces the risk-benefit ratio of antibiotics due to cumulative toxic effects of associated drugs. To antagonize bacterial resistance, it is attempted to introduce other therapeutic alternatives into the therapy alongside existing molecules. One of these is represented by silver nanoparticles (AgNp). Various technologies for obtaining AgNp are described in the literature, physical, chemical, biological and microbiological methods. Of these, microbiological methods offer important pharmacotherapeutic prospects, because it can optimize the antibacterial spectrum of nanoparticles. The mechanisms of action of silver nanoparticles are still incompletely elucidated, but some subcellular and molecular targets are known, such as enzymes of energy metabolism, ribosomes and microbial DNA. Improving the efficacy, stability, specificity, safety and biocompatibility of AgNp, administered alone or in combination with classical antibacterial drugs (antibiotics), can make them therapeutically viable alternatives to antimicrobial therapy.

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