Chapter 11: Nanodrug Therapy for Salmonella Biofilm Disruption

Salmonella infections pose a significant global health threat, affecting millions of people each year. These infections can cause a range of illnesses, from mild gastroenteritis to severe systemic diseases, such as typhoid fever. Bacteria are particularly hazardous due to their ability to form biofilms, which provide a robust defense mechanism, making traditional antibiotic treatments largely ineffective. Biofilms, which are composed of bacterial cells and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), create a protective barrier that impedes the penetration of antibiotics, allowing bacteria to survive even under adverse conditions. The innovative use of nanomedicine therapeutics to address the persistent challenge of Salmonella biofilm infections is explored in this chapter. Various nanodrug strategies, including the use of metallic, polymeric, and lipid-based nanoparticles, have been investigated for their potential to penetrate and disrupt biofilm structures. The mechanisms by which nanoparticles enhance antibiotic delivery are also highlighted. This chapter emphasizes the role of nanotechnology in developing more effective treatments against multidrug-resistant Salmonella strains. This chapter also focuses on the urgent need for further research to find innovative solutions for combating persistent bacterial infections.