About this Research Topic
Microbial infections remain a major global health challenge, causing substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance have further exacerbated the problem, as many conventional antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals have become ineffective against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternative strategies for preventing and treating microbial infections, especially those that target virulence factors and pathogenicity without promoting resistance. Thus, an effective approach to combat microbial pathogens is by utilizing anti-virulence strategies. Unlike traditional antimicrobial agents, anti-virulence strategies do not aim to kill the microorganism but instead inhibit its virulence, thereby reducing the selective pressure for the development of antimicrobial resistance. Such strategies hold immense promise in the fight against microbial infections.
Green fabricated nanomaterials have emerged as a new class of anti-virulence agents that can disrupt microbial communication and biofilm formation, which are critical points for pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance. These nanomaterials are typically synthesized using eco-friendly and cost-effective methods, such as plant extracts, microorganisms, and biopolymers, and can exhibit unique physicochemical, biological, and pharmacological properties that can be tailored for specific applications. Moreover, green fabricated nanomaterials can be used alone or in combination with conventional antimicrobial agents to enhance their efficacy, reduce their toxicity, and delay the emergence of resistance.
This Research Topic aims to highlight the recent advancements in utilizing environmentally-friendly nanomaterials for preventing microbial infections. Specifically, this issue will explore the potential of green fabricated nanomaterials in combating microbial infections through their anti-virulence properties mediated by inhibition mechanisms of quorum sensing and biofilm. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the state-of-the-art in this rapidly evolving field and to identify the future directions and challenges that need to be addressed for the successful translation of green fabricated nanomaterials into clinical practice.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
Synthesis, characterization, and optimization of green fabricated nanomaterials with anti-virulence properties, including metallic, polymeric, lipid, and carbon-based nanoparticles, as well as their hybrid materials.
In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo evaluation of the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of green fabricated nanomaterials in preventing and treating microbial infections, alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals.
Design and engineering of green fabricated nanomaterials for targeted delivery, controlled release, and enhanced bioavailability, as well as their biocompatibility and biodistribution.
Investigation of the interactions between green fabricated nanomaterials and the host immune system, microbiome, and environmental factors, such as pH, temperature, and light.
Mechanisms of action of green fabricated nanomaterials in disrupting virulence, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation in various microorganisms.
Translation of green fabricated nanomaterials from the laboratory to clinical applications, including regulatory and ethical considerations, such as manufacturing, standardization, labeling, and disposal.
Perspectives and challenges on the future directions of green fabricated nanomaterials as anti-virulence agents, including their potential for personalized medicine, precision agriculture, and environmental remediation.
We welcome researchers from diverse disciplines, including nanotechnology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, and environmental science, to submit Original Research articles, Reviews, and Perspectives that advance our understanding of the mechanisms of action, safety, efficacy, and translational potential of green fabricated nanomaterials in combatting microbial infections.
Green fabricated nanomaterials have emerged as a new class of anti-virulence agents that can disrupt microbial communication and biofilm formation, which are critical points for pathogenicity and antimicrobial resistance. These nanomaterials are typically synthesized using eco-friendly and cost-effective methods, such as plant extracts, microorganisms, and biopolymers, and can exhibit unique physicochemical, biological, and pharmacological properties that can be tailored for specific applications. Moreover, green fabricated nanomaterials can be used alone or in combination with conventional antimicrobial agents to enhance their efficacy, reduce their toxicity, and delay the emergence of resistance.
This Research Topic aims to highlight the recent advancements in utilizing environmentally-friendly nanomaterials for preventing microbial infections. Specifically, this issue will explore the potential of green fabricated nanomaterials in combating microbial infections through their anti-virulence properties mediated by inhibition mechanisms of quorum sensing and biofilm. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the state-of-the-art in this rapidly evolving field and to identify the future directions and challenges that need to be addressed for the successful translation of green fabricated nanomaterials into clinical practice.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
Synthesis, characterization, and optimization of green fabricated nanomaterials with anti-virulence properties, including metallic, polymeric, lipid, and carbon-based nanoparticles, as well as their hybrid materials.
In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo evaluation of the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of green fabricated nanomaterials in preventing and treating microbial infections, alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals.
Design and engineering of green fabricated nanomaterials for targeted delivery, controlled release, and enhanced bioavailability, as well as their biocompatibility and biodistribution.
Investigation of the interactions between green fabricated nanomaterials and the host immune system, microbiome, and environmental factors, such as pH, temperature, and light.
Mechanisms of action of green fabricated nanomaterials in disrupting virulence, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation in various microorganisms.
Translation of green fabricated nanomaterials from the laboratory to clinical applications, including regulatory and ethical considerations, such as manufacturing, standardization, labeling, and disposal.
Perspectives and challenges on the future directions of green fabricated nanomaterials as anti-virulence agents, including their potential for personalized medicine, precision agriculture, and environmental remediation.
We welcome researchers from diverse disciplines, including nanotechnology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, and environmental science, to submit Original Research articles, Reviews, and Perspectives that advance our understanding of the mechanisms of action, safety, efficacy, and translational potential of green fabricated nanomaterials in combatting microbial infections.
Keywords: Anti-virulence strategy, Biocompatibility, Biofilm, Green fabricated nanomaterial, Microbial infection, Multidrug-resistant pathogen, Quorum sensing, Quorum quenching Virulence factor
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