Nanomaterials in the Development of Advanced Antimicrobial Agents

Nanotechnology, the application of materials with atomic or molecular-scale dimensions, has grown in popularity for medical uses and is an extremely exclusive method for eradicating or suppressing the activity of several pathogens. Antibiotics and additives are being replaced with nanostructured materials (NSMs) in a variety of goods to impart a microbicidal effect. Due to the rising prevalence of antibiotic resistance, researchers are more focused on the therapeutic potential of nanoparticles (NPs) as antibacterial and antiviral agents. Different nanomaterials have evolved as innovative strategies to deal with microbial infections and the problems caused by conventional antimicrobials. Unique antimicrobial characteristics are exhibited by metal nanoparticles (MNPs), metal oxide nanoparticles (MeO-NPs), and other nanomaterials acting as a pivotal point for the growth of innovative medicinal devices. The small size of MNPs imparts the capacity to damage microbial cells through a variety of methods. Nanomaterials are established to be effective antimicrobial agents against a variety of microbial diseases. Nanomaterials offer an intriguing route to restrict microbial development before human infection, in contrast to antibiotics, which are used to treat illnesses and infections in patients. The focus of this chapter is to provide comprehensive overview of multiple nanomaterials-based antimicrobial agents such as MNPs, MeO-NPs, different nanocomposite, nanoemulsions, carbon-based nanomaterials, quantum dots, liposomes, micelles, etc. along with their synthesis strategies used, particle size & dimensions, particular targeted microbial strain, type of antimicrobial testing method used, reported MIC value, and antimicrobial action mechanisms.