Nanoscience & Nanotechnology-Asia - Online First

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis, threatening the efficacy of conventional antibiotics and leading to increased mortality rates, prolonged hospital stays, and higher medical costs. The World Health Organization emphasizes the urgent need for new antibiotics as multidrug-resistant bacteria spread, rendering many treatments ineffective. This crisis drives the exploration of alternative antibiotic sources, particularly medicinal plants known for their bioactive compounds with potent antimicrobial properties. Unlike synthetic antibiotics, plant-derived compounds often have multiple mechanisms of action, reducing the likelihood of resistance development and offering a rich pool of structurally diverse molecules for optimization. However, plant extracts face limitations like low water solubility, resulting in reduced bioavailability. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have revolutionized drug delivery systems, offering significant benefits in formulating and delivering antibiotics. Nanocarriers, such as lipid-based, polymeric, and metallic nanoparticles, improve the stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of encapsulated drugs. Incorporating plant-derived antibiotics into nanocarriers addresses issues like poor solubility, rapid degradation, and limited targeting associated with traditional therapies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of advancements in plant-based antibiotics and their nano formulations. It explores the extraction and isolation of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, discusses the mechanisms underlying their antibacterial activities, and examines various nanocarrier systems used to enhance their efficacy. Additionally, it highlights recent research findings, addresses current challenges, and proposes future directions for developing plant-based antibiotic nanoformulations. The review underscores the potential of integrating phytochemicals and nanotechnology to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, paving the way for innovative and effective therapeutic strategies.