Metal Oxide Functionalized Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Bacterial Infection: Synthesis, Characterization, and Therapeutic Applications

نویسندگان

1 Department of Pharmaceutics, KVSR Siddhartha College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vijayawada, India

2 Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Vishwakarma University, Kondhwa, Pune, Maharashtra, India

3 Analytical Research and Development, Veranova, NJ, USA

4 Department of respiratory Medicine, Vels Medical College and Hospital, Manjankaranai, Thiruvallur 601 102, India

5 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai - 600 117, Tamil Nadu, India

6 Manager Analytical Chemistry, Elixir Medical Corporation, 920 N McCarthy Blvd #100, Milpitas, CA 95035, USA

7 Principal Scientist, Cerevel Therapeutics, 222 Jacobs St. Suite 200, Boston, Massachusetts 02141, USA

8 Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Pallavaram, Chennai - 600 117, India

doi
10.48309/jaoc.2025.515340.1277
چکیده

Bacterial infections remain a major global health concern, worsened by the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the declining effectiveness of traditional medicines. Metal oxide-functionalized nanoparticles (MOFNPs) have emerged as promising alternatives due to their unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis, characterization, and therapeutic applications of MOFNPs in treating bacterial infections. Certain metal oxides—such as zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), copper oxide (CuO), and iron oxide (Fe2O3)—exhibit strong antibacterial effects through multiple mechanisms. These include the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), membrane disruption, metal ion release, and biofilm inhibition. The physicochemical properties and therapeutic performance of MOFNPs are influenced by different synthesis methods, including chemical, green, and physical functionalization techniques. Advanced characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS), are crucial for understanding their structure and function. MOFNPs demonstrate great adaptability in healthcare applications, including wound healing, drug delivery, implant coatings, and water disinfection. However, challenges such as cytotoxicity, stability, and regulatory hurdles must be addressed for successful clinical translation. This study highlights the transformative potential of MOFNPs in infection management and reviews recent advancements in MOFNP-based antibacterial therapies. Future research should aim to enhance biocompatibility, optimize large-scale production, and achieve regulatory approval to facilitate widespread medical use.