Biological properties of ceragenin-coated metal nanoparticles - future challenges and perspectives in clinical practice.

Abstract

Considering the priority of searching for new therapeutic strategies related to increasing microbial resistance and complex needs of oncological treatment, the potential of ceragenin-coated metal nanoparticles (primarily in the form of core-shell nanosystems) as tools for developing new treatment methods was discussed. In particular, the complex mechanisms of action of the ceragenin-containing nanosystems were described, and the presented actions were compared with the native efficacy of ceragenins. The methods for their synthesis and characterization, taking into account features such as size, shape, surface charge, and colloidal stability, were also presented. The synergy of this combination is a potentially effective alternative for combating multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria, as well as fungi. This is also crucial when counteracting the biofilms forming on the surfaces of implants, catheters, or endotracheal tubes. When applying for cancer therapies, the employment of modified ceragenin nanosystems as targeted drug delivery systems may help achieve higher drug concentrations in the tumor environment as well as lower systemic toxicity compared to current therapeutic methods. The collected data justify the need for further studies to fully assess the safety and therapeutic efficacy of ceragenin-containing nanosystems, which will certainly translate into the development of innovative therapeutic methods.