A Comprehensive Review on Various Mechanisms of Quorum Sensing Inhibition by Gold Nanoparticles.

Resistance to multiple drugs and biofilm-associated infections are major challenges to global health. The ability of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to disrupt bacterial quorum sensing (QS) mechanisms, reduce virulence, and inhibit biofilm formation without inducing resistance makes them a promising alternative for treating these infections. The potential of AuNPs as quorum-sensing inhibitors (QSIs) is reviewed, focusing on their ability to control bacterial communication pathways in pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. AuNPs reduce QS by binding to autoinducers, interfering with the QS receptor, and interacting directly with biofilm matrices to result in substantial decreases in biofilm formation and pathogenicity. In addition, functionalized AuNPs exhibit increased specificity and reduced cytotoxicity, making them potential medical tools. Although they have great potential, the safety of AuNPs in human tissue and the environment remains a concern, and current studies focus on reducing particle size, improving surface modifications, and enhancing biodegradability. In addition, the review shows how AuNPs can be combined with conventional antibiotics to achieve better outcomes in multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. However, current challenges in achieving clinical outcomes persist during production scaling and regulatory approval. Still, AuNPs offer a novel approach to treating chronic, resistant infections, with promising therapeutic opportunities for future antimicrobial therapies.