Smart Hybrid Nanomaterials for Chronic Infections: Microbiome-Responsive and Sustainable Therapeutic Strategies
Summary:** This review explores smart hybrid nanomaterials for treating chronic infections in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), leveraging microbiome-specific triggers like pH, redox, or enzymes for on-demand drug release. DFUs, affecting 15-25% of diabetics, often involve biofilms and antibiotic resistance, leading to amputations. Nanomaterials—liposomes, dendrimers, metal-organic frameworks—enhance penetration, target bacteria, and minimize side effects, with examples like pH-sensitive liposomes releasing vancomycin in acidic infected sites. Sustainable aspects include biodegradable polymers and green synthesis, promising cost-effective, localized therapies to overcome systemic antibiotic limitations in DFU management.
Key Highlights:
- DFU Pathogenesis: Neuropathy, ischemia, and hyperglycemia foster biofilms; 50% become infected, with 20% requiring amputation.
- Nanomaterial Types: Liposomes for encapsulation, dendrimers for branching delivery, MOFs for high loading; responsive to bacterial metabolites.
- Mechanisms: pH/redox-responsive release in infected microenvironments; photothermal therapy with nanoparticles kills bacteria via heat.
- Sustainability: Biodegradable carriers reduce environmental impact; green synthesis using plant extracts for eco-friendly production.
- Challenges/Future: Clinical translation needed; combination with phage or CRISPR for multi-modal DFU therapy.
Keywords: nanomaterials, diabetic foot ulcers, microbiome-responsive, biofilm therapy, sustainable nanotech