Utilization of Plant-Derived Nanomaterials for Controlling Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens in the Food Production Chain and Reducing the Burden of Foodborne Diseases

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes one of the most significant public health threats of the twenty-first century, with the food production chain serving as a critical reservoir and transmission pathway for resistant pathogens. The extensive and often inappropriate use of antibiotics in livestock production has exerted intense selective pressure on microbial populations, facilitating the dissemination of resistance genes through the food chain, direct contact, and environmental routes. Plant-derived nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles (silver, zinc oxide, gold, copper, selenium) and polysaccharide-based nanoparticles, have emerged as promising alternatives for combating AMR pathogens due to their multi-target antimicrobial mechanisms, reduced resistance potential, and environmental compatibility. Green synthesis utilizing plant extracts and agricultural waste offers a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally sustainable approach that aligns with circular economy principles. This narrative review comprehensively examines the evidence regarding plant-derived nanomaterials for controlling antibiotic-resistant pathogens in the food production chain. Mechanistically, these nanomaterials act through multiple pathways including cell membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, biofilm inhibition, and efflux pump inhibition, with molecular docking studies revealing strong binding affinities to beta-lactamase enzymes. In vitro evidence demonstrates that zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized with Stevia rebaudiana (۱۵.۷ nm) achieve MIC values of ۶.۲۵–۲۵ µg/mL against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with ۹۲.۱% biofilm inhibition, while Moringa oleifera flower-synthesized silver nanoparticles (۱۲.۷۳ nm) exhibit MIC of ۳.۱۲۵ µg/mL against Enterobacter spp. and Klebsiella oxytoca. Practical applications include antimicrobial packaging, edible coatings, toxin adsorption, and nanosensors for pathogen detection. Despite promising results, challenges including standardization, scalability, long-term toxicological data, and regulatory frameworks require attention. This review concludes that plant-derived nanomaterials represent a valuable component of the One Health approach to reducing foodborne disease burden and combating AMR.

کلیدواژه ها:

Green Nanotechnology ، Antimicrobial Resistance ، Foodborne Pathogens ، Plant Extracts ، Food Safety