Alternative Antimicrobial Approach: Nano-Antimicrobial Materials

Scheme 1

NM antibacterial mode of action. General schematic depicting the common modes of action of NM. Most known antibacterial NM interact electrostatically with the bacterial membrane causing membrane disruption. Frequently, free radicals (ROS yellow spots) are produced due to the NM-membrane interactions. These radicals may instigate secondary membrane damage, hinder protein function, cause DNA destruction, and result in excess radical production. Other antibacterial NM are photoactivated (photocatalism). Nitric oxide (NO) NM are involved with RNS (green spots). Polycationic NM (QPEI) have a unique feature as they seem to induce signal secretion that may promote programmed cell death.