Polyphenols and their nanoformulations as potential antibiofilm agents against multidrug-resistant pathogens

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens is a major problem in the therapeutic management of infectious diseases. Among the bacterial resistance mechanisms is the development of an enveloped protein and polysaccharide-hydrated matrix called a biofilm. Polyphenolics have demonstrated beneficial antibacterial effects. Phenolic compounds mediate their antibiofilm effects via disruption of the bacterial membrane, deprivation of substrate, protein binding, binding to adhesion complex, viral fusion blockage and interactions with eukaryotic DNA. However, these compounds have limitations of chemical instability, low bioavailability, poor water solubility and short half-lives. Nanoformulations offer a promising solution to overcome these challenges by enhancing their antibacterial potential. This review summarizes the antibiofilm role of polyphenolics, their underlying mechanisms and their potential role as resistance-modifying agents. Bacteria can become more difficult to kill by forming a protective layer called a biofilm. This is a problem because infections caused by these bacteria can be difficult to treat. Polyphenols are a natural compound found in plants. They have shown promise in fighting resistant bacteria by stopping bacteria from forming a biofilm. However, polyphenols have some limitations. These limitations can be overcome by using nanomaterials, which are types of tiny particles. When polyphenols are combined with nanomaterials, they become much better at fighting bacteria. This is a promising solution to treating resistant infections caused by biofilm-forming bacteria. Polyphenols combat bacterial biofilm, a major resistance factor, via multiple mechanisms. Nanoformulations could boost their antibacterial power.