Antibacterial Nanoparticles for Biofilm Control in Medical and Food Industries

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms represent a structured community of microorganisms embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). These architectures pose severe public health and economic challenges across both the biomedical sector and the food industry due to their profound resistance to conventional antibiotics and sanitizers. Traditional eradication methods often fail to penetrate the protective EPS barrier, driving the selection ofmultidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes.In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary paradigm for biofilm control. This review systematically evaluates the implementation of various antibacterial nanoparticles (NPs)—including metallic, metal oxide, and organic polymeric nanosystems—designed to inhibit and eradicate biofilms in medical devices, wound care, and food processing environments. We detail the mechanical pathways of nano-mediated biofilm disruption, such as physical envelope penetration, the generation of reactiveoxygen species (ROS), and targeted drug delivery into the EPS core. Furthermore, we highlight commercialized nano-based configurations (e.g., Acticoat™, AgXcelen) and standardize real-world evaluation protocols like the Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) assay. Finally, we address current translational bottlenecks, including cytotoxicity, scalability, and environmental safety, outlining future directions for smart, responsive nano-formulations.