Antibiotic-loaded nanofibers as a promising strategy for preventing and treating biofilm-associated infections

Biofilm-associated infections remain one of the most formidable challenges in contemporary medicine, largely because microbial communities within biofilms exhibit exceptional resistance to antibiotics and immunological responses. Conventional therapeutic approaches often fail to eradicate biofilms, resulting in chronic infections and heightened morbidity. Recent advances in nanotechnology have introduced novel strategies to overcome these barriers. This review comprehensively explores antibiotic-loaded nanofibers as a promising nanomaterial-based intervention for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-related infections. It begins by elucidating the fundamental mechanisms of biofilm formation, microbial species involved, and their implications in medical settings to establish the basis for developing targeted interventions. The discussion then encompasses diverse nanofiber fabrication techniques, including electrospinning, phase separation, template-assisted synthesis, self-assembly, and melt-blowing, which are examined with respect to their advantages, limitations, and influence on fiber morphology and drug release kinetics. Furthermore, the review addresses the antibacterial mechanisms, physiochemical characterization, and biocompatibility profiles of functionalized nanofibers, emphasizing their potential to deliver sustained and localized antibiotic release with reduced systemic toxicity. Specific biomedical applications, such as wound healing, implant surface modification, and infection control, are critically evaluated alongside current challenges related to cytotoxicity, stability, sterilization methods, and regulatory compliance. Finally, the review highlights emerging nanotechnology-driven strategies for biofilm management, such as targeted drug delivery, Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS) degradation, and biofilm disruption strategies. Collectively, this work underscores the great potential of antibiotic-loaded nanofibers as next-generation materials for effectively managing and preventing biofilm-associated infections in healthcare.