Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery in Antimicrobial Resistance: Innovations and Future Outlook

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical threat to global health, undermining the efficacy of conventional antibiotics and leading to prolonged infections, increased mortality, and escalated healthcare costs. The emergence of resistant pathogens necessitates innovative strategies to enhance drug efficacy, reduce resistance development, and improve therapeutic outcomes. Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising solution by enabling targeted, sustained, and controlled delivery of antimicrobial agents while minimizing toxicity and enhancing bioavailability. This review highlights recent advancements in nanocarriers—including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, and nanogels—specifically designed to combat AMR. It discusses their mechanisms of action, ability to bypass bacterial defense systems, and integration with other technologies such as stimuli-responsive systems and combination therapies. Furthermore, it evaluates clinical progress, regulatory challenges, and translational potential. The chapter concludes with a forward-looking perspective on how nanocarrier innovations may transform the management of resistant infections and usher in a new era of precision antimicrobial therapy.