Work

Emerging strategies of bacterial adaptation mechanisms to silver and metal oxide nanomaterials

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This review addresses the crucial and emerging field of bacterial adaptation to antimicrobial nanomaterials, challenging prior assumptions that their multi-level action prevents the development of reduced bacterial sensitivity. It provides a comprehensive overview of experimentally induced adaptation mechanisms across various nanomaterials (e.g. AgNPs, ZnO) and bacterial species. Bacterial adaptations encompass genetic adaptations (e.g. efflux systems, mutagenesis), biomolecule production (e.g. flagellin, exopolysaccharides forming biofilms, protein coronas), and structural changes (e.g. altered shape, cell wall thickening, enhanced motility, membrane permeability changes). The described adaptation mechanisms to nanomaterials are compared with antibiotic resistance mechanisms, emphasizing common strategies such as efflux and envelope changes, but also unique adaptations specific to nanoparticles, such as aggregation and different roles of biomolecules. The review offers insights and emerging strategies for designing safer, more effective nano-antimicrobials, including membrane potential disruption, biofilm inhibition, and size modulation. It emphasizes the need for standardized evaluation methods and future research on cross-resistance.

Source: FEMS Microbiology Reviews

DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaf060

Authors: Lucie Suchánková, Libor Kvítek, Milan Kolář, Aleš Panáček

Institution: Palacký University Olomouc

Language: English

Topic: Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,297