Volume 8, Issue 2 (4-2026)
pbp 2026, 8(2): 256-267 |
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Esmaeili M. Applications of Nanoplatforms in Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Narrative Review. pbp 2026; 8 (2) :256-267
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-438-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-438-en.html
1Department of Internal medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran , Dr.mahsa.es@gmail.com
Abstract: (13 Views)
Objective: Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped, Gram-negative bacterium that colonises the gastric mucosa and is recognised as the principal aetiological agent of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, and gastric adenocarcinoma. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains, declining eradication rates associated with conventional treatment regimens, and frequent recurrence of infection have created an urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems have emerged as promising approaches because they can selectively target the gastric mucosa, enhance drug stability, improve penetration into bacterial biofilms, and increase local antimicrobial concentrations while minimising systemic exposure. This review critically examines the therapeutic potential of nanoplatforms for the management of H. pylori infection and discusses their underlying mechanisms of action.
Methods: A comprehensive analytical review was conducted based on a systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and related keywords, including Helicobacter pylori, nanoparticles, targeted drug delivery, antibacterial therapy, and biofilm, were used to identify relevant publications. Eligible studies included in vitro investigations, in vivo animal studies, and relevant review articles. The retrieved evidence was synthesised using qualitative thematic analysis.
Results: The available evidence indicates that nanotechnology-based platforms offer multiple complementary strategies for combating H. pylori. Metallic nanoparticles, particularly silver, gold, and zinc-based nanomaterials, together with polymeric–lipid nanocarriers and chitosan-based delivery systems, demonstrated potent antibacterial activity through disruption of the bacterial cell envelope, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibition of urease activity, and interference with biofilm formation. In addition, mucoadhesive and targeted nanoformulations encapsulating therapeutic agents such as berberine and clarithromycin enhanced gastric mucosal retention, enabled sustained drug release, increased local drug concentrations, and consequently reduced bacterial colonisation, attenuated gastric inflammation, and promoted mucosal healing. Collectively, these findings suggest that nanomedicine may represent an effective strategy for overcoming antibiotic resistance and improving eradication outcomes. Nevertheless, concerns regarding nanoparticle-associated toxicity, tissue accumulation, manufacturing scalability, and long-term biosafety remain important challenges that require further investigation.
Conclusion: Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of H. pylori infection by enhancing antibiotic penetration, disrupting bacterial biofilms, improving targeted drug delivery, and exerting direct antibacterial effects. Although preclinical findings are highly encouraging, successful clinical translation will require rigorous safety evaluation, standardised formulation strategies, and well-designed clinical trials to establish long-term efficacy and biosafety.
Methods: A comprehensive analytical review was conducted based on a systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and related keywords, including Helicobacter pylori, nanoparticles, targeted drug delivery, antibacterial therapy, and biofilm, were used to identify relevant publications. Eligible studies included in vitro investigations, in vivo animal studies, and relevant review articles. The retrieved evidence was synthesised using qualitative thematic analysis.
Results: The available evidence indicates that nanotechnology-based platforms offer multiple complementary strategies for combating H. pylori. Metallic nanoparticles, particularly silver, gold, and zinc-based nanomaterials, together with polymeric–lipid nanocarriers and chitosan-based delivery systems, demonstrated potent antibacterial activity through disruption of the bacterial cell envelope, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibition of urease activity, and interference with biofilm formation. In addition, mucoadhesive and targeted nanoformulations encapsulating therapeutic agents such as berberine and clarithromycin enhanced gastric mucosal retention, enabled sustained drug release, increased local drug concentrations, and consequently reduced bacterial colonisation, attenuated gastric inflammation, and promoted mucosal healing. Collectively, these findings suggest that nanomedicine may represent an effective strategy for overcoming antibiotic resistance and improving eradication outcomes. Nevertheless, concerns regarding nanoparticle-associated toxicity, tissue accumulation, manufacturing scalability, and long-term biosafety remain important challenges that require further investigation.
Conclusion: Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of H. pylori infection by enhancing antibiotic penetration, disrupting bacterial biofilms, improving targeted drug delivery, and exerting direct antibacterial effects. Although preclinical findings are highly encouraging, successful clinical translation will require rigorous safety evaluation, standardised formulation strategies, and well-designed clinical trials to establish long-term efficacy and biosafety.
Type of Study: Review/Systemtic review |
Subject:
Biotechnology
Received: 2025/09/3 | Accepted: 2026/04/16 | Published: 2026/04/20
Received: 2025/09/3 | Accepted: 2026/04/16 | Published: 2026/04/20
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