The emerging problem of antibacterial resistance is of global importance as it poses a severe threat to public health, jeopardizing the effectiveness of current medical treatments and requiring urgent solutions. Metal ions and metal-based compounds have become a beacon of hope in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, due to their inherent antimicrobial properties. As a part of the bioinorganic domain, various metals - including silver, copper, and zinc - have exhibited promising antimicrobial properties attributed to their unique biochemical interactions. They can disrupt microbial cell membranes, interfere with cellular processes, and induce oxidative stress, making it challenging for bacteria to develop resistance. Additionally, metals often exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, targeting a wide range of pathogens. The ability of these metals to obliterate a broad spectrum of microorganisms has reignited interest in the utility of metals in a medicinal framework. With relentless exploration, bioinorganic chemistry continues to offer exciting prospects for the development of novel antimicrobial agents.
The audacious nature of antimicrobial resistance necessitates an equally bold response. This Research Topic aims to delve into the role of metals in combating this resistance, with special focus on investigating their biochemical interactions, characterizing their antimicrobial properties, and understanding the potential for their application in therapeutic strategies. There is an opportunity to leverage recent advances in bioinorganic chemistry to push the boundaries of our knowledge and expand the arsenal of antimicrobial agents. Also, the application of metals in healthcare settings includes the development of antimicrobial coatings for surfaces, such as those in hospitals, to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Furthermore, currently researchers are exploring the use of metal-based nanoparticles in wound dressings, medical implants, and as components in new generations of antimicrobial drugs.
In this Research Topic we invite submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• The biochemical mechanisms of metal ions and metal-based compounds in exerting antimicrobial effects.
• Current understanding and future prospects of metal-based antimicrobial agents.
• The application and efficacy of specific metals in treatment regimens.
• Exploration of strategies to mitigate potential toxicity linked to metal-based therapeutics.
• Advances in bioinorganic chemistry that elucidate potential pathways for combating antimicrobial resistance.
• Use of metal-based nanoparticles in wound dressing and medical implants.
Keywords:
Metals, Antimicrobial Resistance, Antimicrobial Agents, Biochemical Interactions, Therapeutic Agents, Bioinorganic Chemistry
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
The emerging problem of antibacterial resistance is of global importance as it poses a severe threat to public health, jeopardizing the effectiveness of current medical treatments and requiring urgent solutions. Metal ions and metal-based compounds have become a beacon of hope in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, due to their inherent antimicrobial properties. As a part of the bioinorganic domain, various metals - including silver, copper, and zinc - have exhibited promising antimicrobial properties attributed to their unique biochemical interactions. They can disrupt microbial cell membranes, interfere with cellular processes, and induce oxidative stress, making it challenging for bacteria to develop resistance. Additionally, metals often exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, targeting a wide range of pathogens. The ability of these metals to obliterate a broad spectrum of microorganisms has reignited interest in the utility of metals in a medicinal framework. With relentless exploration, bioinorganic chemistry continues to offer exciting prospects for the development of novel antimicrobial agents.
The audacious nature of antimicrobial resistance necessitates an equally bold response. This Research Topic aims to delve into the role of metals in combating this resistance, with special focus on investigating their biochemical interactions, characterizing their antimicrobial properties, and understanding the potential for their application in therapeutic strategies. There is an opportunity to leverage recent advances in bioinorganic chemistry to push the boundaries of our knowledge and expand the arsenal of antimicrobial agents. Also, the application of metals in healthcare settings includes the development of antimicrobial coatings for surfaces, such as those in hospitals, to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Furthermore, currently researchers are exploring the use of metal-based nanoparticles in wound dressings, medical implants, and as components in new generations of antimicrobial drugs.
In this Research Topic we invite submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• The biochemical mechanisms of metal ions and metal-based compounds in exerting antimicrobial effects.
• Current understanding and future prospects of metal-based antimicrobial agents.
• The application and efficacy of specific metals in treatment regimens.
• Exploration of strategies to mitigate potential toxicity linked to metal-based therapeutics.
• Advances in bioinorganic chemistry that elucidate potential pathways for combating antimicrobial resistance.
• Use of metal-based nanoparticles in wound dressing and medical implants.
Keywords:
Metals, Antimicrobial Resistance, Antimicrobial Agents, Biochemical Interactions, Therapeutic Agents, Bioinorganic Chemistry
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.