Nanomedicine in the Fight Against Multidrug-Resistant Infections: A Review on Emerging Strategies and Translational Prospects

Abstract: The global rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has rendered numerous traditional antibiotics ineffective, posing a major threat to public health. Nanomedicine has emerged as a promising multidisciplinary strategy to address these challenges by employing engineered nanomaterials such as liposomes, metallic nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and carbon-based nanostructures for targeted drug delivery and enhanced antimicrobial therapy. These nanomaterials possess unique attributes, including the ability to disrupt microbial cell membranes, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), and facilitate controlled and site-specific release of antibiotics, which collectively increase the efficacy against resistant strains such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa , methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Klebsiella pneumoniae . Beyond therapeutic applications, nanomedicine-based diagnostic platforms including magnetic nanoparticles, biosensors, quantum dots (QDs), and graphene-based transistors enable rapid and sensitive detection of MDR pathogens and resistance genes, facilitating timely intervention and personalized treatment approaches in resource-limited settings. Despite these advances, significant challenges remain in the clinical translation of nanomedicine, including issues of biocompatibility, toxicity, cost-effectiveness, regulatory approval, and large-scale manufacturing. Additionally, the potential for resistance development against certain nanomaterials warrants careful monitoring and continued innovation. Future perspectives focus on integrating nanotechnology with artificial intelligence (AI) to develop highly effective, adaptive, and personalized diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for MDR infections. Overall, nanomedicine holds considerable promise in combating multidrug-resistant microorganisms, reducing the global disease burden, and shaping the next generation of infection management strategies. Keywords: nanotechnology, alternative treatment, antibacterial effects, dendrimers, liposomes, metallic nanoparticles