Advancing Nanotechnology: Targeting Biofilm-Forming Bacteria with Antimicrobial Peptides

Author(s)

Campos, Julia Valladares ; de Pontes, Janaina Teixeira Costa ; Canales, Christian Shleider Carnero ; Roque-Borda, Cesar Augusto ; Pavan, Fernando Rogerio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BME FRONTIERS; v. 6, p. 22-pg., 2025-03-04.

Abstract

Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions for addressing the challenges posed by biofilm-forming bacteria, which are highly resistant to conventional antimicrobial therapies. This review explores the integration of pharmaceutical nanotechnology with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to enhance the treatment of biofilm-related infections. The use of various nanoparticle systems-including inorganic/metallic, polymeric, lipid-based, and dendrimer nanostructures-provides promising avenues for improving drug delivery, targeting, and biofilm disruption. These nanocarriers facilitate the penetration of biofilms, down-regulate biofilm-associated genes, such as ALS1, ALS3, EFG1, and HWP1, and inhibit bacterial defense mechanisms through membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species generation, and intracellular targeting. Furthermore, nanoparticle formulations such as NZ2114-NPs demonstrate enhanced efficacy by reducing biofilm bacterial counts by several orders of magnitude. This review highlights the potential of combining nanotechnology with AMPs to create novel, targeted therapeutic approaches for combatting biofilm-related infections and overcoming the limitations of traditional antimicrobial treatments. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/15838-1 - Evaluation of the in vitro effect of analogues CR22-DKs12, CR22-BR04 and CR21-BR11 of the antimicrobial peptide B1CTcu5 in the inhibition of efflux pumps against macrophage infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Grantee: Julia Valladares Campos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 20/16573-3 - In vitro and in vivo studies of antimicrobial peptide B1CTcu5 analogs encapsulated in colon-specific microparticles against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Grantee: Cesar Augusto Roque Borda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 23/01664-1 - Synthesis and characterization of antimicrobial peptide "B1CTcu5" analogs encapsulated in colon-specific microparticles and in vitro an in vivo studies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Grantee: Fernando Rogério Pavan
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/14603-5 - Drug discovery and design: antimicrobial peptide B1CTcu5 analogs promising against Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Grantee: Cesar Augusto Roque Borda
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate