Recent advances in the synthesis and characterization of nano-antimicrobials

The application of metals and metal oxides in the form of nanostructured antimicrobials is continuously expanding. In the last decades, especially Cu-, ZnO- and Ag-based nano-antimicrobials have attracted the interest of scientists and technologists, as assessed by the huge amount of reports on the synthesis and characterization of nanosized bioactive materials. In fact, despite numerous and strong antibiotics nowadays available, infections caused by antimicrobial resistant bacteria are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Consequently, attention has been devoted to the development of nanoparticle-based antimicrobial agents: several classes of antimicrobial nanoparticles (NPs) and nanosized carriers for antibiotics delivery have proven their effectiveness for treating infectious diseases, including antibiotic resistant ones, in vitro as well as in animal models. The present review discusses the recent advances in synthesis, characterization, and application of Cu-, ZnO-, and Ag-based nano-antimicrobials, along with a brief mention of nanotoxicology issues.