The Open Tropical Medicine Journal

2010, 3 : 1-9
Published online 2010 February 24. DOI: 10.2174/18743153010030100001
Publisher ID: TOTMJ-3-1

Applications of Nanomedicine in Antibacterial Medical Therapeutics and Diagnostics

Liam Matthews , Rupinder K Kanwar , Shufeng Zhou , Vasu Punj and Jagat R. Kanwar
BioDeakin, Institute for Technology&Research Innovation (ITRI), Geelong Technology Precinct (GTP), Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia.

ABSTRACT

The need for new and effective/efficient antibacterial therapeutics and diagnostics is necessary if we want to be able to maintain and improve the protection against pathogenic bacteria. Bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to traditionally used antibiotics and as a result are a major health concern. The number of deaths and hospitalizations due to bacteria is increasing. Current methods of bacterial diagnostics are inefficient as they lack speed and ultra sensitivity and cannot be performed on site. This is where nanomedicine is playing a vital role. The discovery of new and innovative materials through the improvement in fabrication techniques has seen the establishment of an influx of novel antibacterial therapeutics and diagnostics. The goal of this review is to highlight the research that has been done through the implementation of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies for antibacterial medical therapeutic and diagnostic.