Development of coinage metal nanoclusters as antimicrobials to combat bacterial infections

J Mater Chem B. 2020 Oct 28;8(41):9466-9480. doi: 10.1039/d0tb00549e.

Abstract

Infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria have caused huge economic loss and numerous deaths over the past decades. Researchers are exploring multiple strategies to combat these bacterial infections. Metal nanomaterials have been explored as therapeutics against these infections owing to their relatively low toxicity, broad-spectrum activity, and low bacterial resistance development. Some coinage metal nanoclusters, such as gold, silver, and copper nanoclusters, can be readily synthesized. These nanoclusters can feature multiple useful properties, including ultra-small size, high catalytic activity, unique photoluminescent properties, and photothermal effect. Coinage metal nanoclusters have been investigated as antimicrobials, but more research is required to tap their full potential. In this review, we discuss multiple advantages and the prospect of using gold/silver/copper nanoclusters as antimicrobials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Copper / chemistry
  • Copper / pharmacology
  • Copper / therapeutic use
  • Drug Design
  • Drug Development* / methods
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Gold / pharmacology
  • Gold / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / therapeutic use
  • Models, Molecular
  • Silver / chemistry
  • Silver / pharmacology
  • Silver / therapeutic use
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Copper