How can nanomaterials be engineered to better kill bacteria and viruses?

Nanomaterials can be engineered with enhanced antibacterial and antiviral properties by modifying their surface characteristics. Incorporating antimicrobial agents, like silver nanoparticles, disrupts microbial membranes. Tailoring nanomaterial size and structure improves penetration, increasing efficacy. Precision engineering enables targeted interactions, offering promising solutions for advanced antimicrobial applications.

The use of nanomaterials as antimicrobials is primarily attributed to the specific interactions between the cell membrane and the surface. The interactions between the membrane and nanoparticles depend on curvature, as well as on physico-chemical characteristics such as being hydrophobic or hydrophilic.

in my experience, Copper oxide, nanoparticles with particle size of 100-200 nm can be used as antimicrobial material. It can be used as immobilised on textiles to provide good defence againts bacteria

We can engineer tiny silver, graphene, or titanium dioxide nanoparticles, tailoring their size and shape to increase their bacteria-killing surface area. Functionalizing their surfaces with chemical hooks helps them grab and penetrate microbial walls and membranes. Teaming nanoparticles up combines their strengths, like nano-scale Avengers defeating microbial villains. Decorating nanoparticles with spike proteins lets them identify and sabotage specific viral targets. Engineering smart nanoparticles to unleash their payloads when triggered allows precise, targeted strikes against infection sites, prepping an arsenal of nimble nano-warriors instead of carpet bombing invaders.

Nanomaterials can be engineered to exhibit antimicrobial properties, providing a promising properties for combatting pathogens. For instance, silver nanoparticles have demonstrated excellent antimicrobial efficacy by disrupting the cell membranes of pathogens, leading to their inactivation. Additionally, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, when exposed to ultraviolet light, produce reactive oxygen species that exhibit antimicrobial activity. Careful tuning of the smartness, size, shape, and surface chemistry of nanomaterials allows for enhanced interactions with microbial cells, increasing their effectiveness as antimicrobial agents. Targeting the vital activities of pathogens and utilization of engineered pathogens against them are amazing.

Functionalization of nanoparticles with specific ligands or antibodies allows for precise recognition and binding to microbial surfaces. Controllable nanocarriers are promising to produce local ROS, RNS, heat, reactions, and release. Thus, multiple mechanisms, carriers, and prodrugs are required for antimicrobial resistance where the specificity should be considered in molecular and cellular level in nanocarriers and nanocargoes. For example, gold nanoparticles modified with antibodies that specifically bind to bacterial or viral antigens can selectively target and neutralize pathogens, minimizing collateral damage to healthy cells. This targeted approach enhances the therapeutic efficacy while reducing the potential for adverse effects.

One thing that ihave found that it is very interesting to use inert nanoparticles as core and to coated it by active compounds as shell. Such Core -Shell materials can be preared by application of Silica as core material.

One material to be taken into account is graphene. Various graphene materials have shown different bacteriostatic capacities and are still being studied today as an alternative to metals and their oxides [1]. I have published a scientific article on this specific case. [1] Gago, I., Molina, I., León, G., & Miguel, B. (2016). Introduction to the study of the antibacterial properties of graphene. Journal of Strategic Thinking and Security CISDE, 1(2), 87-94.

Las nanopartículas pueden ejercer el rol terapeutico o se puede conjugar a un fármaco a modo de facilitador para la translocación. Pero, se debe procurar especificidad, escape del sistema inmune y eliminación en pacientes. Para la especificidad, es común bioconjugar nanopartículas con bloques biológicos que reconocen pares biológicos presentes únicamente en membranas bacterianas o que se encuentren altamente sobreexpresadas en bacterias. Además de cubrir la superficie con polímeros que le confieren polaridad para luego ser expulsada por el sistema renal del paciente. Otra estratégia que se usa es contener la nanopartícula en un complejo polimérico inteligente que se libere en condiciones específicas y lento para limitar continuas dosis.

Diagnosing to shoot first! Quantum dots, for instance, can be engineered to emit specific wavelengths of light, enabling highly sensitive and specific detection of pathogens in diagnostic assays. Additionally, nanoparticle-based vaccines can be designed to stimulate a robust immune response. For instance, Lipid nanoparticles, carrying viral antigens, have been explored for their ability to enhance vaccine delivery and efficacy, providing a platform for improved preventive strategies against infectious diseases. The smart level of detection, measuring and sending the data for closed-loop controlling need advanced techniques like entangled quantum dots, artificial atoms and molecules. BioNEMS require fundamental phenomena like Casimir effect.

Una de las propiedades más aprovechadas para el monitoreo o diagnóstico de presencia de bacterias es la óptica. La acumulación de nanopartículas a través de una envoltura polimérica altamente entrecruzada puede causar un cambio de color en comparación con la presencia de la nanopartícula individual. La estratégia consiste en que la acumulación responda a la presencia de bacterias. Esto se puede lograr mediante el reconocimiento y afinidad de la envoltura a la membrana externa de la bacteria. El diseño de la envoltura de la nanopartícula es clave. Para luego calibrar la concentración y el espectro UV-Vis de la muestra. La ventaja que se puede tomar muestras directas para una fácil lectura capaz de detectar pequeñas concentraciones.

Issues such as potential toxicity, biocompatibility, corrosion, long-term effects, and environmental impact need careful consideration. Moreover, ensuring the scalability and cost-effectiveness of nanomaterial production for widespread applications poses challenges. However, these challenges also present opportunities for interdisciplinary research, collaboration, and the development of novel technologies that address these concerns while unlocking the full potential of nanomaterials in antimicrobial applications. The pandemic has initially prompted humans to transcend geoboundaries and religious differences. However, it is crucial for them to identify and engage innovators in the development of advanced sciences and nanomaterials.

Having worked in the field of biomaterials for quite some time, my conclusion is that nanomaterials will not make it to real world medical applications if they haven't already. The regulatory hurdles are very high and while the potential benefits over small molecules or polymers undoubtedly exist, they are not high enough to justify the investment a company would have to make to get them approved for application in or even on humans

Las nanopartículas que actualmente se han usado comercialmente para fines terapeuticos son lipídicas a modo de vehículos de fármacos. Según mi experiencia, no tenemos suficiente información toxicológica de la respuesta a exposiciones frecuentes de diversas nanopartículas y su interacción entre ellas en un sistema vivo complejo, los modelos no son suficientes, por lo que existirá regulaciones para su uso. Sin embargo, se podrían adoptar facilmente en dispositivos para el diagnóstico, inmobilizadas en una matriz inerte descartable. Las ventajas in vitro son prometedoras pero se requiere mayor investigación sobre su toxicidad a largo plazo y los efectos secundarios. Solicitandose la colaboración de muchas disciplinas

First we have to sort out properly the harmful bacteria 🦠 and viruses of the natural system; while understanding their behaviour, functions and adverse effects in unhealthy, healthy and super healthy systems. Consequently, these systems will reveal the real science of baseline and will investigate the naturally occuring/ growing Nano or lesser size materials and species; fighting/resisting with particular bacteria/virus. Therefore, we will be able to produce super natural medicines to absorb into the organic system for combating dis-eases!

Beyond the engineering aspects, ethical, regulatory, and societal considerations are paramount. The potential release of engineered nanomaterials into the environment raises concerns about their ecological impact. Therefore, comprehensive risk assessments and regulations are crucial to ensure the responsible development and deployment of nanomaterials. Additionally, fostering public awareness and engagement is essential to address concerns and ensure the acceptance of these innovative technologies. Interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, engineers, regulatory bodies, and the public is vital for navigating the complex landscape of nanomaterials in antimicrobial applications. The nanorobots are real and they can be controlled!

Nanometer thin GaN and AlN have enabled deep UV LEDs that are effective disinfectants by killing microbes. Post COVID, UV wands have gained prominence in healthcare facilities and even homes.

Very interesting example is Titania, and espesially is its anatase form. Interaction of Titania with UV lights generates Hydroxyl radicals, that are very active as bacteria killers.

Debemos tomar en cuenta que la tecnología debe desarrollarse entendiendo la capacidad de causar resistencia bacteriana. Por lo que el tratamiento debe ser un conjunto de acciones para no generar presión genética sobre una ruta metabólica en particular y estudiar nuevos blancos terapeuticos. Y que la mejor estrategia para controlar infecciones es la prevención y la estimulación del sistema inmune.