Metals as Potent Antimicrobial Agents Against a Wide Range of Pathogenic Bacteria and Fungi

Khodier, Rania; Dawoud, Mohamed; Radwan, Tharwat; Bassiony, Dina; Shehata, Hoda

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2025.396748.11943

Metals as Potent Antimicrobial Agents Against a Wide Range of Pathogenic Bacteria and Fungi

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

¹ Department of Botany and Microbiology Faculty of science Cairo University

² cairo

³ cairo, egypt

⁴ Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.

10.21608/ejchem.2025.396748.11943

Abstract

Global health is still being threatened by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which necessitates options that avoid traditional resistance pathways. Because of their multi-targeted mechanisms, which include membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, nucleic acid interference, and modulation of virulence and quorum-sensing genes like lasR, icaA, and mrkA, metals and their nanoparticles (Ag, CuO, ZnO, and Au) have become promising candidates for broad-spectrum antimicrobials. According to quantitative research, silver nanoparticles have MIC values as low as 7–10 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, but copper and zinc oxide nanoparticles usually need larger concentrations (200–500 µg/mL), depending on formulation and particle size. Although the sustainability of such techniques and the possibility of cross-resistance are still unknown, synergistic combinations with conventional antibiotics frequently cut MICs by several times. Dose-dependent cytotoxicity, hepatic and splenic buildup, poor clearance, and environmental problems are highlighted by toxicological studies. Systemic usage is still in the experimental stage, even if present applications are mostly limited to topical dressings, implant coatings, textiles, and water disinfection. The absence of a consistent toxicity assessment, methodological variation, regulatory ambiguity, and ecological concerns from environmental discharge are major obstacles. Targeted distribution, surface functionalization, green production, and standardized testing procedures must all be integrated for future advancement. Metal nanoparticles may advance from laboratory promise to therapeutically and industrially applicable tools against AMR by fusing quantifiable efficacy with strong safety standards.

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