Green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles as effective alternatives to treat antibiotics resistant bacterial infections: A review

Due to development of bacterial resistance to the conventional antibiotics, the treatment of bacterial infections has become a major issue of concern. The unprescribed and uncontrolled use of antibiotics has lead to the rapid development of antibiotic resistance in bacterial strains. Therefore, the development of novel and potent bactericidal agents is of great clinical importance. Interestingly, metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been proven to be promising alternative to antibiotics. NPs interact with the important cellular organelles and biomolecules like DNA, enzymes, ribosomes, and lysosomes that can affect cell membrane permeability, oxidative stress, gene expression, protein activation, and enzyme activation. Since, NPs target multiple biomolecules concurrently; it becomes very difficult for bacteria to develop resistance against them. Currently, there are different physical and chemical methods utilized for NPs synthesis. However, most of these processes are costly and potentially hazardous for the living organisms and environment. Therefore, there is a need to develop an eco-friendly and cost-effective method of synthesis. Recently, the ‘green synthesis’ approaches are gaining a lot of attention. It is demonstrated that living organisms like bacteria, yeast, fungi, and plant cells can reduce inorganic metal ions into metal NPs by their cellular metabolites. Both the yield and stability of biogenic NPs are quite satisfactory. In the current article, we have addressed the green synthesis of various metal NPs reported till date and highlighted their different modes and mechanisms of antibacterial properties. It is highly anticipated that biogenic metallic NPs could be viable and economical alternatives for treating drug resistant bacterial infections in near future.