Antimicrobial Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Bone Tissue Repair

After the implantation of dental implants or orthopedic device, there is a “race for the surface,” a competitive battle between bacteria and host cells for the occupation of the implant surface. Various antibacterial and antibiotic agents have been developed to assist host tissue cells in winning this battle. However, these agents come with drawbacks, such as the potential to generate antibiotic resistance. Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have demonstrated their versatility, functioning as effective antimicrobial coatings, and flexible biomaterials with both osteoconductive and osteoinductive characteristics. In this review article will focus on the basics of implant infection and biofilm formation, followed by a discussion of antibiotic resistance, which favors bacteria, and strategies to reduce antibiotic resistance. Metal and metal oxide NPs and their expanding role in dental and orthopedic therapeutics will be discussed comprehensively. The article will focus on the potential for using metal and metal oxide NPs that integrate antimicrobial properties with osteoinductive/osteoconductive characteristics. Current advances and developments in the application of metal NPs will occupy the bulk of this review, which will conclude with a discussion of the challenges associated with metal and metal oxide NPs.