Biogenic metallic nanoparticles and its antibacterial and antibiofilm mechanisms, challenges, and future prospects

BMNPs (Biogenic metallic nanoparticles) have proven to be potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents against microorganisms. Production of BMNPs utilizes the extracts of plants, fungi, algae or bacteria that allow the flexibility of nanoscale chemistry with biomolecular surface functionality. Mechanism of action include membrane interaction, cell wall permeabilization, production of ROS, metal ion release, protein binding, EPS degradation and disruption of QS. This review consolidates detailed mechanistic understanding of the antimicrobial actions, molecular and biophysical mechanisms, and new insights regarding antimicrobial antibiofilm activity, and focuses on quorum-quenching (QQ) and EPS destabilization pathways. Additionally, the review explores translational applications such as dressing, coatings, and formulations and provides a detailed assessment of challenges faced and future directions, including scale-up, standardization, safety, and regulatory strategies.