The rise in the resistance to antibiotics is due to their inappropriate use and the use of a broad spectrum of antibiotics. This has also contributed to the development of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, and due to the unavailability of suitable new drugs for treatments, it is difficult to control. Hence, there is a need for the development of new novel, target-specific antimicrobials. Nanotechnology, involving the synthesis of nanoparticles, may be one of the best options, as it can be manipulated by using physicochemical properties to develop intelligent NPs with desired properties. NPs, because of their unique properties, can deliver drugs to specific targets and release them in a sustained fashion. The chance of developing resistance is very low. Polymeric nanoparticles are solid colloids synthesized using either natural or synthetic polymers. These polymers are used as carriers of drugs to deliver them to the targets. NPs, synthesized using poly-lactic acid (PLA) or the copolymer of lactic and glycolic acid (PLGA), are used in the delivery of controlled drug release, as they are biodegradable, biocompatible and have been approved by the USFDA. In this article, we will be reviewing the synthesis of PLGA-based nanoparticles encapsulated or loaded with antibiotics, natural products, or metal ions and their antibacterial potential in various medical applications.
Keywords: PLGA; antibacterial; antibiotics; biomedical application; magnesium; natural product.