The morphology of the biofilm provides an innate immunity to the bacteria

making them resistant toward most of the chemical moieties (Wang et al. 2017). It

has been demonstrated that the interaction of NPs with the extracellular polymeric

substances (EPSs) results in altered integrity of the biofilm (Su et al. 2009). The

outcome of the study conducted by Ansari et al. strongly supported the

abovementioned fact (Ansari et al. 2012). In their study, it was deciphered that

ZnO NPs inhibited the production of EPSs. This further amounted in generating a

bactericidal activity against the biofilm of drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria,

viz., E. coli and K. pneumoniae, respectively (Ansari et al. 2012).

Another point, which came to a light, is the conduction of electrical signals by

potassium ion channels across the bacterial biofilm (Lundberg et al. 2013). These

ionic pumps are in turn also found to be responsible for coordinating the inter
/

intracellular metabolic pathways in the bacterial biofilm. However, it was deciphered

that Mg NPs can effectively and swiftly adhere and permeate through the perineum

of the biofilm (Lundberg et al. 2013). This leads to a disruption in the cell membrane

potential along with escalated lipid peroxidation levels and intercalation with the

nucleic acid such as DNA (Lellouche et al. 2012c). Consequently, these changes in

the physicochemical parameters of the bacterial cells ultimately amount to an

inhibited bacterial biofilm growth and colonization (Lellouche et al. 2012c).

Salem et al. in an elaborative study deciphered the potential toxic effect of Ag and

ZnO NPs on two Gram-negative bacterial strains, viz., E. coli and V. cholerae

(Salem et al. 2015). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and inhibition

of metabolic activity (INT) assays pointed out that a univocal amount of NPs

resulted in the generation of similar bactericidal activity. It was also highlighted in

the study that the NPs specifically targeted the metabolic pathways of the bacterium,

which resulted in efficient apoptosis and cell lysis (Salem et al. 2015).

11.5

Conclusion

Bacterial strains impervious to the antimicrobial now being used has to turn into a

genuine general medical issue that expands the need to grow new bactericidal

materials. Thus, solid interest in creating novel systems or new systems can adapt

to these significant issues. The rise of nanotechnology has made some new antimi-

crobial alternatives. Nanoparticles having varied parent compositions have exhibited

gigantic potential as bactericidal agents, showing their potential as proficient anti-

toxin reagents in bacterial infections, wounds, and related medical issues. The

adequacy of these nanoparticles changes with their physicochemical characteristics,

viz., particle size, surface charge, morphology, and texture. Different nanoparticles

depict bactericidal effect against various pathogenic bacterial species. Similarly, NPs

have indicated adequate biocompatibility when fused in framework materials.

Nanoparticles today are a promising platform for elective measures to control

bacterial infections.

Antimicrobial nanoparticles offer a diversified array of classes and applications.

These antimicrobial nano-sized particles offer sustained bactericidal activity with

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A. Parmar and S. Sharma