Potentials of nanotechnology in treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Eur J Med Chem. 2021 Mar 5:213:113056. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113056. Epub 2020 Dec 1.

Abstract

Abuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was reported just two years after the clinical use of methicillin, which can cause severe infections with high morbidity and mortality in both community and hospital. The treatment of MRSA infection is greatly challenging since it has developed the resistance to almost all types of antibiotics. As such, it is of great significance and importance to develop novel therapeutic approaches. The fast development of nanotechnology provides a promising solution to this dilemma. Functional nanomaterials and nanoparticles can act either as drug carriers or as antibacterial agents for antibacterial therapy. Herein, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the drug resistance mechanisms of MRSA and discuss the potential applications of some functionalized nanomaterials in anti-MRSA therapy. Also, the concerns and possible solutions for the nanomaterials-based anti-MRSA therapy are discussed.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Drug delivery; Drug resistance; MRSA; Nanomaterials.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane Permeability
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / chemistry*
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Compounding
  • Drug Liberation
  • Humans
  • Lipopeptides / chemistry
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer / chemistry
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Drug Carriers
  • Lipopeptides
  • Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer