Flavonoids are secondary metabolites that exhibit remarkable biological activities, including antimicrobial properties against Klebsiella pneumoniae, a pathogen responsible for several serious nosocomial infections. However, oral administration of these compounds faces considerable challenges, such as low bioavailability and chemical instability. Thus, the encapsulation of flavonoids in nanosystems emerges as a promising strategy to mitigate these limitations, offering protection against degradation; greater solubility; and, in some cases, controlled and targeted release. Different types of nanocarriers, such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and polymeric micelles, among others, have shown potential to increase the antimicrobial efficacy of flavonoids by reducing the therapeutic dose required and minimizing side effects. In addition, advances in nanotechnology enable co-encapsulation with other therapeutic agents and the development of systems responsive to more specific stimuli, optimizing treatment. In this context, the present article provides an updated review of the literature on flavonoids and the main nanocarriers used for delivering flavonoids with antibacterial properties against Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis represent a major public health challenge due to their high resistance and involvement in skin, wound, and soft-tissue infections. In this context, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) incorporated into Gluconacetobacter sp. bacterial cellulose hydrogel emerge as a promising alternative therapeutic strategy. Methods: AgNPs and hydrogels were synthesized and characterized using physicochemical and morphological analyses. Antibacterial activity was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) following CLSI guidelines, as well as by time–kill curve assays. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated through the determination of minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) using crystal violet staining, complemented by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Congo red agar method. Results: The hydrogel exhibited a three-dimensional microfibrillar structure characteristic of bacterial cellulose, while AgNPs showed rod-shaped, oval, and triangular morphologies, with particle sizes of 35 and 59 nm and positive zeta potentials. MIC and MBC values ranged from 6.25 to 50 µg/mL across all tested formulations and strains. Time–kill assays demonstrated significant bacterial population reductions after 6 to 9 h of exposure. MBIC values ranged from 0.78 to 50 µg/mL, whereas MBEC values ranged from 1.56 to >100 µg/mL. SEM analyses confirmed biofilm disruption, cell eradication, and a reduction in extracellular polysaccharides, particularly for AgNPs incorporated into the hydrogel. Conclusions: Overall, the results highlight the strong antibacterial and enhanced antibiofilm potential of AgNP-loaded bacterial cellulose hydrogel against S. aureus and S. epidermidis, supporting its potential application in infection treatment.