Abstract
Several metals have been reported to possess antimicrobial properties. Out
of these metal nanoparticles, some semiconductor nanoparticles are expectant solutions
to the pathogenic activities of microorganisms. Many studies have proved that these
nano-sized particles are effective against several Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. Different types of nanoparticles are synthesized from
different metals, and according to their size, they show effective responses against the
target microorganisms. The exact mechanism of the antimicrobial effect has not been
confirmed, but some supposed methods have been described. These particles also help
to decrease antibiotic pollution as the hefty use of antibiotics can bring drastic changes
in the environment and livings beings in the form of side effects.
Keywords: Antibiotic pollution, Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative pathogens, Nanoparticles, Semiconductor nanoparticles.