Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials to Overcome Antimicrobial Resistance and Tolerance

The global issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can be effectively addressed through the application of nanotechnology to develop advanced biomaterials with enhanced physicochemical properties. The high surface-to-volume ratio of nanoparticles enables functionalization with various agents, such as phytochemicals, antimicrobial peptides, antibiotics, and targeting ligands, which facilitates regulated and site-specific drug release. This strategic approach minimizes toxicity, reduces nonspecific accumulation, and lowers dosage requirements, thereby impeding the rate of resistance development in pathogenic bacteria. Among the promising solutions are antimicrobial peptide–nanoparticle conjugates, like gold nanoparticle-antimicrobial peptide (AMP) complexes, which enhance pharmacokinetics, improve peptide stability, and successfully prevent biofilm formation. These conjugates optimize therapeutic efficacy and mitigate off-target effects by protecting peptides from enzymatic degradation and promoting targeted delivery. Additionally, hybrid nanomaterials, such as those based on chitosan, alginate, and zinc oxide (ZnO), offer tailored physicochemical properties suitable for antibacterial purposes. When combined with biopolymer-drug conjugates, such as hyaluronic acid-thymol, these materials achieve an optimal balance of potency, selectivity, and biocompatibility. Such multifunctional systems are particularly valuable in settings requiring both host compatibility and antimicrobial action, including wound healing, implant coatings, and infection control. Moreover, the advent of green and phyto-nanotechnology broadens the horizon for sustainable innovation. The use of plant-extract-mediated synthesis for producing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) tackles toxicity and environmental concerns while providing eco-friendly methods for generating potent antibacterial agents. It is vital to evaluate the safety profiles of these biogenic nanomaterials to ensure their responsible integration into clinical and industrial applications.This Research Topic focuses on advanced nanomaterials and biopolymers for targeted delivery, biofilm penetration, and pathogen eradication. We welcome contributions in the form of reviews and original research on topics dealing with nanoparticles in the following fields (but not limited to):· Antimicrobial peptide–nanoparticle conjugates (e.g., gold NP–AMP systems), stability optimization, and biofilm inhibition.· Hybrid nanomaterials (ZnO, chitosan, alginate) and biopolymer–drug conjugates (e.g., HA-thymol) balancing efficacy, specificity, and biocompatibility.· Green/phyto-nanotechnology, including plant-extract–mediated synthesis of AgNPs and evaluation of safety and environmental impact.· Mechanistic transport, controlled release, and physicochemical design principles governing in vivo performance. Both preclinical and translational/clinical studies are encouraged, alongside risk–benefit and regulatory-readiness analyses. Topic editors: Sujogya Kumar Panda, Daniel Pletzer Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76332/nanotechnology-and-advanced-biomaterials-to-overcome-antimicrobial-resistance-and-tolerance