Nanoparticles in Antibacterial Therapy: A Systematic Review of Enhanced Efficacy against Intracellular Bacteria

Abstract

Intracellular bacterial infections represent a considerable therapeutic challenge due to the ability of pathogens to invade and replicate within host cells, hampering the action of the immune system and the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. Bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Listeria monocytogenes, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), among others, can persist within host cells, allowing them to evade the immune response and develop resistance to antibacterial treatments. A key factor in the persistence of these infections is the ability of bacteria to enter a dormant state, which reduces their susceptibility to antibiotics that affect the dividing cells. Nanotechnology is emerging as a promising solution as nanoparticle-based systems can improve the intracellular penetration of antibiotics, allow their controlled release, and reduce side effects. This review covers the development and efficacy of nanoparticle-encapsulated antibiotics in models of intracellular infections, highlighting the need to further investigate their potential to overcome the barriers of conventional therapies and improve the treatment of these complex infections.