Antibiofilm drugs immobilized on nanomaterials

Recent progress and future perspectives of antibiofilm drugs immobilized on nanomaterials

BACKGROUND: A novel strategy has been adapted to combat the threat caused by biofilm forming-pathogenic bacteria in our environments. It involves synthesis of antibiofilm compounds biologically (metabolites from animals, microbes and plants) and chemically. As a result of extensive research significant number of antimicrobial compounds and biofilm inhibitors have been isolated and characterized from different biological and chemical sources. However, lots of limitations such as poor delivery, water-insolubility, stability, expulsion by efflux pumps, and development of acquired resistance due to long-term exposure have been associated with these compounds. METHODS: Conjugation or encapsulation of these antibiofilm drugs with different biocompatible, biodegradable, chemically and thermally stable nanomaterials results in enhanced efficiency of biofilm inhibition. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This review article evaluates the current impact of antibiofilm drugs including its delivery, efficiency of blocking cell attachment and molecular mechanisms of action that are conjugated or encapsulated with different types of biocompatible nanomaterials. It will lead to a better understanding of the antibiofilm drugs and their role in combating biofilms. It will also open new doors for the application of immobilized antibiofilm drugs.