The rise of antibiotic resistance is a significant global health threat, causing millions of deaths annually. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially those forming biofilms, pose an immense challenge due to their increased resistance. This review explores the use of nanotechnology as a promising strategy to combat MDR bacteria and biofilms. It examines the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, the spread of MDR and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) infections, and the development and mechanisms of action of various nanoparticles with antibacterial properties. The review also compares free antibiotics with nanoantibiotics, highlighting the synergistic effects of nanoantibiotics against planktonic bacteria, intracellular bacteria, and biofilms. Finally, it discusses the strengths and limitations of nanotechnology in treating bacterial infections and offers future perspectives.

H F Hetta, Y N Ramadan, A I Al-Harbi, E A Ahmed, Basem Battah, Noura H Abd Ellah, Stefania Zanetti, Matthew Gavino Donadu