Editing Antimicrobial resistance (section)

=== Nanomaterials ===

During the last decades, [[Copper nanoparticle|copper]] and [[Silver nanoparticle|silver]] [[nanomaterials]] have demonstrated appealing features for the development of a new family of antimicrobial agents.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ermini ML, Voliani V | title = Antimicrobial Nano-Agents: The Copper Age | journal = ACS Nano | volume = 15 | issue = 4 | pages = 6008–6029 | date = April 2021 | pmid = 33792292 | pmc = 8155324 | doi = 10.1021/acsnano.0c10756 | doi-access = free }}</ref> Nanoparticles (1–100&nbsp;nm) show unique properties and promise as antimicrobial agents against resistant bacteria. [[Silver nanoparticle|Silver (AgNPs)]] and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are extensively studied, disrupting bacterial cell membranes and interfering with protein synthesis. Zinc oxide (ZnO NPs), copper (CuNPs), and silica (SiNPs) nanoparticles also exhibit antimicrobial properties. However, high synthesis costs, potential toxicity, and instability pose challenges. To overcome these, biological synthesis methods and combination therapies with other antimicrobials are explored. Enhanced biocompatibility and targeting are also under investigation to improve efficacy.<ref name="Singh_2024" />