Potentials of nanotechnology in treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was reported just two years after the clinical use of methicillin, which can cause severe infections with high morbidity and mortality in both community and hospital. The treatment of MRSA infection is greatly challenging since it has developed the resistance to almost all types of antibiotics. As such, it is of great significance and importance to develop novel therapeutic approaches. The fast development of nanotechnology provides a promising solution to this dilemma. Functional nanomaterials and nanoparticles can act either as drug carriers or as antibacterial agents for antibacterial therapy. Herein, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the drug resistance mechanisms of MRSA and discuss the potential applications of some functionalized nanomaterials in anti-MRSA therapy. Also, the concerns and possible solutions for the nanomaterials-based anti-MRSA therapy are discussed. (C) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The abuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens, such as MRSA, which presents a significant challenge in treatment. Nanotechnology offers a promising solution, utilizing functional nanomaterials as drug carriers or antibacterial agents for therapy.