Antimicrobial molecular nanocarrier-drug conjugates

Siderophores and oligopeptides take advantage of specific microbial active transport systems. Particular types of cell penetrating peptides, carbon nanotubes and terpenoid derivatives enter the cells by direct translocation. Dendrimers and large cell penetrating peptides are internalized by endocytosis. All these compounds conjugated with antimicrobials act as nanocarriers and transport the cargoes across the biomembranes. Once the conjugate is internalized, the active component could reach its intracellular target, either after release from the conjugate or in an intact form.208