Phyto-metallic Nanoparticles as Quorum Quenchers in the Management of Burn Wound Bacterial Infections

Abstract The high morbidity and prolonged recovery associated with severe burn injuries place a considerable strain on healthcare systems worldwide. Current treatment approaches depend significantly on prolonged antibiotic use but their efficacy is compromised by a heightened risk of antimicrobial resistance. Biofilms in burn wound infections protects the bacteria from antibiotics and immune responses. Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus present in burn wounds are associated with biofilm formation and prolonged infections. Conventional antibiotic therapies fail to inhibit biofilm-associated infections. Recent nanotechnology fields offer a promising, cost-effective and innovative therapy against biofilm forming microbes. Phytometallic nanoparticles synthesized using plant extracts have garnered attention for their broad-spectrum antibacterial action, quorum quenching, and wound-healing capabilities. Quorum quenching activity is due to their unique physicochemical properties and phytochemical capping agents. These nanoparticles inhibit QS-regulated behaviors such as biofilm development, motility, and expression of virulence traits in key pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus in burn wound infections. This review gives an overview of prevalent bacterial isolates and the complications raised by biofilm formation in burn wounds and role of phytometallic nanoparticles as quorum quenchers.