Lucero-Prisno, Don Eliseo ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2179-6365, Okesanya, Olalekan John ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3809-4271, Agboola, Abdulmajeed Opeyemi ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6684-6224, Adebayo, Uthman Okikiola ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2000-7451, Adigun, Olaniyi Abideen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2375-6375, Ahmed, Mohamed Mustaf ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5991-4052, Olaleke, Noah Olabode ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7070-276X, Oso, Tolutope Adebimpe ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3587-9767, Tan, Maria Ivy Rochelle S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4057-161X, Ogaya, Jerico Bautista ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3595-8643, Ayelaagbe, Oluwatobi Babajide ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2172-2866 and Olawade, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0188-9836 (2025) Emerging technologies and innovative approaches to combat antimicrobial resistance: A narrative review of next-generation therapeutic strategies. Next Bioengineering, 1. p. 100003.

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Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most pressing global health challenges, with approximately 700,000 deaths annually directly attributable to resistant bacterial infections. This alarming trend threatens to undermine decades of medical progress. The widespread misuse and overuse of antibiotics have accelerated the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This review examines the intricate mechanisms underlying the development of AMR and discusses innovative next-generation therapeutic strategies and emerging approaches for combating resistant pathogens. CRISPR-based antimicrobials demonstrated over 90 % in vitro efficacy in selectively eliminating MDR pathogens. Nanotechnology-based solutions, such as those utilizing silver and gold nanoparticles, have demonstrated potent bactericidal activity in preclinical settings; however, toxicity and regulatory concerns persist. Bacteriophage therapy and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are advancing through early clinical trials, offering targeted activity and immune-modulating effects. Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven drug discovery has already been clinically integrated, accelerating the design of antibiotics and predicting resistance with high efficiency. Comparative analysis reveals that AI tools possess the highest readiness level, while CRISPR and AMPs are promising but remain in early development stages. These emerging strategies collectively present significant potential to complement or replace conventional antibiotics in addressing AMR. Despite their potential, these technologies face significant implementation challenges, including technical limitations, economic barriers, ethical considerations, and regulatory complexities. This review emphasizes the critical need for multidisciplinary collaboration, sustainable funding models, and global policy frameworks to effectively translate these innovations into clinical practice. The AMR crisis can only be addressed through international collaboration, combining scientific innovation and supportive policy environments.

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.1016/j.nxbio.2025.100003
School/Department:	London Campus
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/12745

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