Silver nanoparticles in wound infections: Present status and future prospects

Abstract

The wounds are infected by one or more bacteria or other microbes. The occurrence of the bacterial infections in wounds is mainly responsible in delayed healing and enhancement of wound. These bacteria include Gram-positive bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, and fungi like Candida and Aspergillus. The use of silver has been known since nineteenth century and after the discovery of penicillin, its use was reduced. However, the occurrence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has led to the search of new antibiotics and alternatives to solve the problem of multidrug-resistance. In this context, scientists have shown much interest on the use of silver and silver nanoparticles as they are very effective against bacterial infections. This chapter is aimed to discuss the role of silver and silver nanoparticles in wound infections. In addition, the resistance of microbes to silver and silver nanoparticles and the toxicity issues have also been addressed.