ABSTRACT
Nanoparticles exhibit inherent therapeutic potencies and serve as anti-microbial and anti-viral agents. Due to the worldwide progressive rise in the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance, scientific explorations focussing on the therapeutic powers of various nanoagents have gained immense attention these days. The lack of effective anti-microbial agents necessitates the quest for more efficient and newer anti-microbial nanoparticles for the eradication of deadly infections. Various investigation reports have proved the efficacy of nanoparticles in the tackling of several pathogenic agents. The anti-bacterial mechanisms of nanoparticles are rather poorly deciphered, but the currently accepted probable mechanisms include the release of metal ions and oxidative and non-oxidative mechanisms. These therapeutic nanoagents serve either as broad-spectrum inhibition agents or delivery agents in a wide range of anti-microbial and anti-viral formulations. Nanoparticles can serve as extraordinary delivery agents, owing to their large surface area to volume ratio. Various materials have been exploited for the generation of nanoparticles harbouring unique properties, sufficing the exact therapeutic requirement against infectious diseases. This review aims to focus on the anti-microbial, viz. anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal power of various nanoagents, along with the probable mechanisms of action.
