INDO KOREAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ADVANCES IN NANOTECHNOLOGY,DRUG DEVELOPMENT AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES Abs Title: BIOACTIVES AND METAL NANOPARTICLE HYBRID NANOSTRUCTURES: A NOVEL APPROACH TO FIGHTING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens has necessitated the development of innovative antimicrobial strategies beyond conventional antibiotics. In this context, the synthesis of bioactive compound-capped metal nanoparticles (MNPs) has gained significant attention as a rational and effective approach to enhance antimicrobial efficacy. Bioactive molecules, including phytochemicals, peptides, and antibiotics, possess inherent biological activities, while metal nanoparticles such as silver, zinc oxide, and copper exhibit unique physicochemical properties, including high surface reactivity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and enhanced membrane permeability. The integration of bioactive compounds with MNPs results in hybrid nanostructures that demonstrate synergistic mechanisms of action. These include improved cellular uptake, targeted disruption of microbial membranes, increased oxidative stress, and interference with essential metabolic and genetic processes. Surface functionalization of MNPs further enhances their stability, biocompatibility, and controlled drug release, thereby enabling reduced effective dosages and minimizing potential toxicity. Recent studies highlight that these hybrid nanomedicines exhibit superior antimicrobial performance compared to their individual components. They show broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as effectiveness against biofilms and drug-resistant strains. Such multifunctional systems also offer advantages in overcoming resistance mechanisms due to their multitarget mode of action. Bioactive compounds emphasise their role as a promising multitarget antimicrobial strategy with significant potential in therapeutic, biomedical, and environmental applications, paving the way for next-generation antimicrobial interventions.