ABSTRACT
Biofilm is considered as an important virulence factor for opportunistic microbial species that are responsible for various types of chronic infections. The development of antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance developed by biofilm is due to the recalcitrant feature. The extracellular polymeric substances enclosing the sessile cells prevent the penetration of antimicrobial agents. Thus, the use of nanoparticles is one of the novel approaches in the inhibition of the biofilm. High drug loading capacity, continuous release of the drug, enhanced stability of the drug and increased drug stability make nanoparticles unique therapeutics in the treatment of biofilm-associated infections. Various types of nanoparticles (NPs) such as polymeric, metallic, liposome-based, and lipid-based systems are ideally used for drug transfer. The NPs possess a sustained effect on the sessile microcolonies thereby preventing the revival of the organisms. This chapter focuses on the various types of NPs, their mechanism of synthesis and their applicability as suitable antibiofilm agents.
