Next-Generation Nanotechnology In The Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most rapidly growing threats to global health that is compromising the utility of currently available antibiotics and raising morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Such resistant mechanisms may be overcome using innovative solutions proposed by next-generation nanotechnology, such as metallic nanoparticles, nanocarrier systems, and photothermal therapies, which enhance the outcomes of the treatments.

Objective: This research paper was based on the aim to measure awareness, perceived effectiveness, challenges, and the future of nanotechnology in combating AMR among the healthcare professionals, researchers, and students, and to identify the major predictors that affect the perceived potential of nanotechnology in killing AMR-related mortality.

Methods: The research involved a quantitative, purposefully sampled, cross-sectional survey study in selecting the respondents, numbering 266. The information was gathered using a structured questionnaire that consisted of six parts, namely demographics, awareness, perceived effectiveness, adoption challenges, prospects, and open-ended questions. The analysis of Likert-scale responses was done using SPSS and SmartPLS. Some statistical tools that were used were the Shapiro-Wilk test of normality, Cronbach's reliability alpha, independent samples T-test, one-way ANOVA, a Chi-Square test of independence, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression.

Results: The normality assumption of all variables was met (p > 0.05), and they proved to have excellent reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.87). The t-test showed that there was a significant difference between the genders as relating to the AMR awareness (p = 0.015), and ANOVA showed that there was a significant change in variations related to the child's level of education (p = 0.007). Chi-Square test demonstrated a significant relation between the gender and participation in nanotechnology training ( p = 0.032). The correlation test revealed that all the relationships that exist between awareness, perceived effectiveness, and adoption willingness are important and are either positive or negative. Regression analysis determined that positive predictive impact on the perceived potential of the nanotechnology in the reduction of the AMR-related mortality was awareness (beta = 0.42, p = 0.004), familiarity (beta = 0.36, p = 0.009), and knowledge of the concept of nanomaterials (beta = 0.28, p = 0.015).

Conclusion: The research shows the importance of awareness, knowledge, and professional competence in popularizing the notion of using nanotechnology to deal with AMR. In addition to technological advancement, specific awareness and communication programs, fair access opportunities to training, and evidence-based communication will be necessary to boost the speed of use of nanotechnology-based interventions.