Metallic Nanoparticles: Potential Antimicrobial and Therapeutic Agents

Nanoscience deals with the structural and functional aspects of materials with a size range of 1–100 nm. Such small size range offers a high surface to volume ratio which in turn proves advantageous over macromolecules of similar chemical compositions. Contributing to their unique properties and biocompatibility with human cells is the possibility of their biogenic synthesis, which further makes them an attractive alternative option for use in human medicine. Nanostructures of various shapes, sizes, and configurations have been facing extensive investigation since the last few decades. Initially, nanoparticles were majorly researched for the inspection of their antimicrobial properties, but as the field expanded, it has further extended to uncovering their potential applications in therapeutics, drug delivery, and nanomedicine. The present chapter aims at discussing the potential of metallic nanoparticles as antimicrobial and therapeutic agents, the major focus being on the various proposed mechanisms used by nanoparticles for the inhibition of microbial cells and the various applications of nanoparticles in the field of therapeutics and drug discovery. Besides the potential benefits of nanoparticles, there is a mounting apprehension about the risk associated with their use on living beings and environment. There is a tremendous need to study their toxic effects before using them as routine therapeutic agents. Hence, the studies related to the toxic effects of nanoparticles on nontarget population which are essential for their implementation as therapeutic agents have also been reviewed.