Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. extract and their application in clinical ultrasound gel

Cellular imaging and bactericidal mechanism of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles against human pathogenic bacteria

In recent years, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted significant attention in medicinal, biomedical, and pharmaceutical research owing to their valuable physicochemical and antibacterial properties. Leaf sap extract (LSE) from Aloe arborescens can be used as an active ingredient for different biological applications, including wound healing. In this study, we have investigated the use of LSE from A. arborescens as a reducing, stabilizing and capping agent to produce AgNPs during the so called "green synthesis" (G-AgNPs). The objective of this study was to prepare, characterize and evaluate the potential of G-AgNPs against human pathogenic bacteria for the intended use as treatment of infected wounds. When the mixture of silver nitrate solution and LSE was exposed to direct sunlight it yielded a rapid color change from colorless to reddish-brown, indicating the formation of G-AgNPs. Physicochemical characterization such as Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, High resolution transmission electron microscopy and surface chemistry studies (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-Ray diffraction) revealed a small size in the range of 38±2nm, smooth surface and existence of LSE on the G-AgNPs. G-AgNPs possessed good antibacterial activity against both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The flow cytometry study revealed the increased percentage of dead cells treated by G-AgNPs through cell membrane damage, and it was further confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Thus, the present study reveals that the novel G-AgNPs demonstrated effective antibacterial properties against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains and shows great potential for its use in the treatment of pathogen infected wounds.

Alternative Synthesis Route of Biocompatible Polyvinylpyrrolidone Nanoparticles and Their Effect on Pathogenic Microorganisms

Herein we describe a novel alternative synthesis route of polyvinylpyrrolidone nanoparticles using salting-out method at a temperature close to polyvinylpyrrolidone decomposition. At elevated temperatures, the stability of polyvinylpyrrolidone decreases and the opening of pyrrolidone ring fractions occurs. This leads to cross-linking process, where separate units of polyvinylpyrrolidone interact among themselves and rearrange to form nanoparticles. The formation/stability of these nanoparticles was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry. The obtained nanoparticles possess exceptional biocompatibility. No toxicity and genotoxicity was found in normal human prostate epithelium cells (PNT1A) together with their high hemocompatibility. The antimicrobial effects of polyvinylpyrrolidone nanoparticles were tested on bacterial strains isolated from the wounds of patients suffering from hard-to-heal infections. Molecular analysis (qPCR) confirmed that the treatment can induce the regulation of stress-related survival genes. Our results strongly suggest that the polyvinylpyrrolidone nanoparticles have great potential to be developed into a novel antibacterial compound.

Biosynthesis, Antibacterial Activity and Anticancer Effects Against Prostate Cancer (PC-3) Cells of Silver Nanoparticles Using Dimocarpus Longan Lour. Peel Extract

Metal nanoparticles, particularly silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are developing more important roles as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for cancers with the improvement of eco-friendly synthesis methods. This study demonstrates the biosynthesis, antibacterial activity, and anticancer effects of silver nanoparticles using Dimocarpus Longan Lour. peel aqueous extract. The AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR). The bactericidal properties of the synthesized AgNPs were observed via the agar dilution method and the growth inhibition test. The cytotoxicity effect was explored on human prostate cancer PC-3 cells in vitro by trypan blue assay. The expressions of phosphorylated stat 3, bcl-2, survivin, and caspase-3 were examined by Western blot analysis. The longan peel extract acted as a strong reducing and stabilizing agent during the synthesis. Water-soluble AgNPs of size 9-32 nm was gathered with a face-centered cubic structure. The AgNPs had potent bactericidal activities against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with a dose-related effect. AgNPs also showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity against PC-3 cells through a decrease of stat 3, bcl-2, and survivin, as well as an increase in caspase-3. These findings confirm the bactericidal properties and explored a potential anticancer application of AgNPs for prostate cancer therapy. Further research should be focused on the comprehensive study of molecular mechanism and in vivo effects on the prostate cancer.

Plant-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Their Characteristic Properties and Therapeutic Applications

Interest in "green nanotechnology" in nanoparticle biosynthesis is growing among researchers. Nanotechnologies, due to their physicochemical and biological properties, have applications in diverse fields, including drug delivery, sensors, optoelectronics, and magnetic devices. This review focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant sources. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is an eco-friendly approach, which should be further explored for the potential of different plants to synthesize nanoparticles. The sizes of AgNPs are in the range of 1 to 100 nm. Characterization of synthesized nanoparticles is accomplished through UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. AgNPs have great potential to act as antimicrobial agents. The green synthesis of AgNPs can be efficiently applied for future engineering and medical concerns. Different types of cancers can be treated and/or controlled by phytonanotechnology. The present review provides a comprehensive survey of plant-mediated synthesis of AgNPs with specific focus on their applications, e.g., antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.

Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using Caesalpinia pulcherrima flower extract and assessment of their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activities

Caesalpinia pulcherrima flower extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles was attempted in the present work including optimization of some procedure parameters. Characterization of synthesized silver nanoparticles was done by various spectral analyses. The size of synthesized silver nanoparticles was 12 nm and they were spherical in shape. The green synthesized silver nanoparticles were further evaluated for antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activities; they showed good antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects. Genotoxic study revealed non-toxic nature at lower concentration. Overall results suggest that the synthesized silver nanoparticles have pronounced applicability in pharmaceutical and biomedical field.

Fucan-coated silver nanoparticles synthesized by a green method induce human renal adenocarcinoma cell death

Polysaccharides containing sulfated L-fucose are often called fucans. The seaweed Spatoglossum schröederi synthesizes three fucans, among which fucan A is the most abundant. This polymer is not cytotoxic against various normal cell lines and is non-toxic to rats when administered at high doses. In addition, it exhibits low toxicity against tumor cells. With the aim of increasing the toxicity of fucan A, silver nanoparticles containing this polysaccharide were synthesized using a green chemistry method. The mean size of these nanoparticles was 210nm. They exhibited a spherical shape and negative surface charge and were stable for 14 months. When incubated with cells, these nanoparticles did not show any toxic effects against various normal cell lines; however, they decreased the viability of various tumor cells, especially renal adenocarcinoma cells 786-0. Flow cytometry analyses showed that the nanoparticles induced cell death responses of 786-0 cells through necrosis. Assays performed with several renal cell lines (HEK, VERO, MDCK) showed that these nanoparticles only induce death of 786-0 cells. The data obtained herein leads to the conclusion that fucan A nanoparticles are promising agents against renal adenocarcinoma.

Effects of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles on lung cancer cells in vitro and grown as xenograft tumors in vivo

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have now been recognized as promising therapeutic molecules and are extending their use in cancer diagnosis and therapy. This study demonstrates for the first time the antitumor activity of green-synthesized AgNPs against lung cancer in vitro and in vivo. Cytotoxicity effect was explored on human lung cancer H1299 cells in vitro by MTT and trypan blue assays. Apoptosis was measured by morphological assessment, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) transcriptional activity was determined by a luciferase reporter gene assay. The expressions of phosphorylated stat3, bcl-2, survivin, and caspase-3 were examined by Western blot analysis. AgNPs showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity and stimulation of apoptosis in H1299 cells. The effects on H1299 cells correlated well with the inhibition of NF-κB activity, a decrease in bcl-2, and an increase in caspase-3 and survivin expression. AgNPs significantly suppressed the H1299 tumor growth in a xenograft severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse model. The results demonstrate the anticancer activities of AgNPs, suggesting that they may act as potential beneficial molecules in lung cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy, especially for early-stage intervention.

Pure anatase and rutile + anatase nanoparticles differently affect wheat seedlings

TiO2-nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are increasingly released to the environment. The present work investigates the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and uptake of TiO2-NPs in Triticum aestivum. Wheat seeds were exposed to 5-150 mg L(-1) of anatase (ana) or rutile + anatase (rut + ana) TiO2-NPs for 5 d. After exposure, germination and growth rates were determined. Cytotoxic effects were evaluated by changes in the cell cycle dynamics and in the membrane integrity. Genotoxicity was assessed by ploidy mutations and DNA-damage, and by mitotic abnormalities. NP uptake was analyzed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Ana-TiO2 revealed higher toxicity regarding the rate of germination, but no negative effects were detected concerning growth. Although roots and shoots showed no EDS-detectable levels of Ti, despite cyto- and genotoxicity was observed in ana and rut + ana-NPs exposed roots. Cell cycle profile was formulation dependent with rut + ana presenting a higher capability to induce a cell cycle arrest at G0/G1. Both formulations induced genotoxic effects by increasing micronucleated cells: for rut + ana a dose-dependent response is evident and seems to be more genotoxic than ana at lower concentrations. Rut + ana also increased membrane permeability. The observed higher cytotoxicity of rut + ana may be explained by the higher photoactivity of this mixture. Overall, these data indicate that during germination, TiO2-NPs induce severe cyto/genotoxic effects, which are dependent on the TiO2-NP formulation.

Green synthesis of therapeutic nanoparticles: an expanding horizon

Nanotechnology continues to achieve tremendous awards in therapeutics, but the economical and ecofriendly production of nanoparticles (NPs) is still in infancy, simply due to the nanotoxicity, unprecedented health hazards and scale up issues. Green nanotechnology was introduced in the quest to mitigate such risks by utilizing natural resources as biological tool for NP synthesis. The key advantages offered by green approach include lower capital and operating expenses, reduced environmental impacts, superior biocompatibility and higher stability. In this review, we shed light on the biosynthesis of therapeutic NPs along with their numerous biomedical applications. Toxicity aspects of NPs and the impact of green approach on it, is also discussed briefly.

Mechanistic aspects of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles against food- and water-borne microbes

In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from aqueous leaves extract of Malva crispa and their mode of interaction with food- and water-borne microbes were investigated. Formation of AgNPs was conformed through UV-Vis, FE-SEM, EDS, AFM, and HR-TEM analyses. Further the concentration of silver (Ag) in the reaction mixture was conformed through ICP-MS analysis. Different concentration of nanoparticles (1-3 mM) tested to know the inhibitory effect of bacterial pathogens such as Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella enterica and the fungal pathogens of Penicillium expansum, Penicillium citrinum, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus sojae and Aspergillus niger. Interestingly, nanoparticles synthesized from 2 to 3 mM concentration of AgNO3 showed excellent inhibitory activities against both bacterial and fungal pathogens which are well demonstrated through well diffusion, poison food technique, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). In addition, mode of interaction of nanoparticles into both bacterial and fungal pathogens was documented through Bio-TEM analysis. Further the genomic DNA isolated from test bacterial strains and their interaction with nanoparticles was carried out to elucidate the possible mode of action of nanoparticles against bacteria. Interestingly, AgNPs did not show any genotoxic effect against all the tested bacterial strains which are pronounced well in agarose gel electrophoresis and for supporting this study, UV-Vis and Bio-TEM analyses were carried out in which no significant changes observed compared with control. Hence, the overall results concluded that the antimicrobial activity of biogenic AgNPs occurred without any DNA damage.

Nanosilver based anionic linear globular dendrimer with a special significant antiretroviral activity

HIV is commonly caused to a very complicated disease which has not any recognized vaccine, so designing and development of novel antiretroviral agents with specific application of nanomedicine is a globally interested research subject worldwide. In the current study, a novel structure of silver complexes with anionic linear globular dendrimer was synthesized, characterized and then assessed against HIV replication pathway in vitro as well. The results showed a very good yield of synthesis (up to 70%) for the nano-complex as well as a very potent significant (P < 0.05) antiretroviral activity with non-severe toxic effects in comparison with the Nevirapine as standard drug in positive control group. According to the present data, silver anionic linear globular dendrimers complex may have a promising future to inhibit replication of HIV viruse in clinical practice.

Role of irradiation in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by fig (Ficus carica) leaf extract

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles in an aqueous mixture of fig (Ficus carica) leaf extract and AgNO3 solution exposed to a set of irradiances at different wavelengths are studied. Nanoparticle formation for irradiances between 6.5 mW/cm(2) and 13.3 mW/cm(2) in the 330-550 nm wavelength range is investigated and the results are compared to those of the nanoparticles synthesized in the dark and under direct sunlight. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, along with particle size analysis and transmission electron microscopy are employed for the characterization of samples and extracts. Irradiance is found to have profound influence on the reduction rates. However, size and spherical shape of the nanoparticles are persistent, irrespective of irradiance and wavelength. Irradiance is discussed to influence the particle formation and aggregation rates through the formation of free radicals in the fig extract.

Biological Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles by Cell-Free Extract ofSpirulina platensis

The present study explores biological synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the cell-free extract ofSpirulina platensis. Biosynthesised AgNPs were characterised by UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, TEM, and FTIR analysis and finally evaluated for antibacterial activity. Extracellular synthesis using aqueous extract ofS. platensisshowed the formation of well scattered, highly stable, spherical AgNPs with an average size of 30–50 nm. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were confirmed by SEM and TEM analysis. FTIR and UV-Vis spectra showed that biomolecules, proteins and peptides, are mainly responsible for the formation and stabilisation of AgNPs. Furthermore, the synthesised nanoparticles exhibited high antibacterial activity against pathogenic Gram-negative, that is,Escherichia coli, MTCC-9721;Proteus vulgaris, MTCC-7299;Klebsiella pneumoniae, MTCC-9751, and Gram-positive, that is,Staphylococcus aureus, MTCC-9542;S. epidermidis, MTCC-2639;Bacillus cereus, MTCC-9017, bacteria. The AgNPs had shown maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) that is31.3±1.11inP. vulgaris. Use of such a microalgal system provides a simple, cost-effective alternative template for the biosynthesis of nanomaterials of silver in a large scale that could be of great use in biomedical applications.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Its Applications

Silver nanoparticles possess unique properties which find myriad applications such as antimicrobial, anticancer, larvicidal, catalytic, and wound healing activities. Biogenic syntheses of silver nanoparticles using plants and their pharmacological and other potential applications are gaining momentum owing to its assured rewards. This critical review is aimed at providing an insight into the phytomediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles, its significant applications in various fields, and characterization techniques involved.

Cerium nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extract of Centella asiatica: characterization, determination of free radical scavenging activity and evaluation of efficacy against cardiomyoblast hypertrophy

Cerium nanoparticles synthesized usingCentella asiaticawere characterized, and tested for radical scavenging activities, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and efficacy against cardiomyoblast hypertrophy and calcium overload.

Potential anticancer properties of bioactive compounds of Gymnema sylvestre and its biofunctionalized silver nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

Gymnema sylvestre is an ethno-pharmacologically important medicinal plant used in many polyherbal formulations for its potential health benefits. Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were biofunctionalized using aqueous leaf extracts of G. sylvestre. The anticancer properties of the bioactive compounds and the biofunctionalized SNPs were compared using the HT29 human adenoma colon cancer cell line.

METHODS

The preliminary phytochemical screening for bioactive compounds from aqueous extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, steroids, and saponins. Biofunctionalized SNPs were synthesized using silver nitrate and characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction for size and shape. The characterized biofunctionalized G. sylvestre were tested for its in vitro anticancer activity against HT29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells.

RESULTS

The biofunctionlized G. sylvestre SNPs showed the surface plasmon resonance band at 430 nm. The scanning electron microscopy images showed the presence of spherical nanoparticles of various sizes, which were further determined using the Scherrer equation. In vitro cytotoxic activity of the biofunctionalized green-synthesized SNPs (GSNPs) indicated that the sensitivity of HT29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells for cytotoxic drugs is higher than that of Vero cell line for the same cytotoxic agents and also higher than the bioactive compound of the aqueous extract.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that the anticancer properties of the bioactive compounds of G. sylvestre can be enhanced through biofunctionalizing the SNPs using the bioactive compounds present in the plant extract without compromising their medicinal properties.

Applications of biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles - a review

We present a comprehensive review of the applications of biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles (NPs). The biosynthesis of metallic NPs is the subject of a number of recent reviews, which focus on the various "bottom-up" biofabrication methods and characterization of the final products. Numerous applications exploit the advantages of biosynthesis over chemical or physical NP syntheses, including lower capital and operating expenses, reduced environmental impacts, and superior biocompatibility and stability of the NP products. The key applications reviewed here include biomedical applications, especially antimicrobial applications, but also imaging applications, catalytic applications such as reduction of environmental contaminants, and electrochemical applications including sensing. The discussion of each application is augmented with a critical review of the potential for continued development.

Quantitative Analysis Coupled with Toxic Evaluation to Investigate the Influence of Sulfur-Fumigation on the Quality of Chrysanthemum morifolium

In the present study, quantitative analysis coupled with toxic evaluation was applied to investigate the influence of sulfur-fumigation on the quality of Chrysanthemum morifolium. The results showed that the average contents of six flavonoids (cynaroside, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, luteolin, apigenin, and diosmetin) in sulfur-fumigated C. morifolium samples decreased by about 6.2%, 3.5%, 22.0%, 33.3%, 26.0%, and 36.9%, respectively, while the average contents of two organic acids (chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid A) in sulfur-fumigated C. morifolium samples increased by about 16.8% and 7.6%, respectively. Furthermore, high dosage sulfur-fumigated C. morifolium could induce hydropic degeneration in epithelial cells of the renal tubule and interstitial edema. This indicates that sulfur-fumigated C. morifolium may lead to renal toxicity.

New paradigm shift for the green synthesis of antibacterial silver nanoparticles utilizing plant extracts

This review covers general information regarding the green synthesis of antibacterial silver nanoparticles. Owing to their antibacterial properties, silver nanoparticles are widely used in many areas, especially biomedical applications. In green synthesis practices, the chemical reducing agents are eliminated, and biological entities are utilized to convert silver ions to silver nanoparticles. Among the various biological entities, natural plant extracts have emerged as green reducing agents, providing eco-friendly routes for the preparation of silver nanomaterials. The most obvious merits of green synthesis are the increased biocompatibility of the resulting silver nanoparticles and the ease with which the reaction can be carried out. This review summarizes some of the plant extracts that are used to produce antibacterial silver nanoparticles. Additionally, background information regarding the green synthesis and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles is provided. Finally, the toxicological aspects of silver nanoparticles are briefly mentioned.

Rapid efficient synthesis and characterization of silver, gold, and bimetallic nanoparticles from the medicinal plant Plumbago zeylanica and their application in biofilm control

BACKGROUND

Nanoparticles (NPs) have gained significance in medical fields due to their high surface-area-to-volume ratio. In this study, we synthesized NPs from a medicinally important plant - Plumbago zeylanica.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous root extract of P. zeylanica (PZRE) was analyzed for the presence of flavonoids, sugars, and organic acids using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), gas chromatography-time of flight-mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS), and biochemical methods. The silver NPs (AgNPs), gold NPs (AuNPs), and bimetallic NPs (AgAuNPs) were synthesized from root extract and characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The effects of these NPs on Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli biofilms were studied using quantitative biofilm inhibition and disruption assays, as well as using fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy.

RESULTS

PZRE showed the presence of phenolics, such as plumbagin, and flavonoids, in addition to citric acid, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and starch, using HPTLC, GC-TOF-MS, and quantitative analysis. Bioreduction of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) were confirmed at absorbances of 440 nm (AgNPs), 570 nm (AuNPs), and 540 nm (AgAuNPs), respectively. The maximum rate of synthesis at 50°C was achieved with 5 mM AgNO₃ within 4.5 hours for AgNPs; and with 0.7 mM HAuCl4 within 5 hours for AuNPs. The synthesis of AgAuNPs, which completed within 90 minutes with 0.7 mM AgNO₃ and HAuCl₄, was found to be the fastest. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed bioreduction, while EDS and XRD patterns confirmed purity and the crystalline nature of the NPs, respectively. TEM micrographs and DLS showed about 60 nm monodispersed Ag nanospheres, 20-30 nm Au nanospheres adhering to form Au nanotriangles, and about 90 nm hexagonal blunt-ended AgAuNPs. These NPs also showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against E. coli, A. baumannii, S. aureus, and a mixed culture of A. baumannii and S. aureus. AgNPs inhibited biofilm in the range of 96%-99% and AgAuNPs from 93% to 98% in single-culture biofilms. AuNPs also showed biofilm inhibition, with the highest of 98% in S. aureus. AgNPs also showed good biofilm disruption, with the highest of 88% in A. baumannii.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report on rapid and efficient synthesis of AgNPs, AuNPs and AgAuNPs from P. zeylanica and their effect on quantitative inhibition and disruption of bacterial biofilms.

Green synthesis of water-soluble nontoxic polymeric nanocomposites containing silver nanoparticles

New water-soluble nontoxic nanocomposites of nanosized silver particles in a polymer matrix were synthesized by a green chemistry method. Nontoxic poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) was used as a stabilizing precursor agent in aqueous medium. Glucose and dimethyl sulfoxide were used as the silver ion-reducing agents to yield silver nanoparticles 2–26 nm and 2–8 nm in size, respectively. The nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption, and thermogravimetric data analysis. The nanocomposites showed strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Synthesis, optimization, and characterization of silver nanoparticles from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and their enhanced antibacterial activity when combined with antibiotics

Background

The development of nontoxic methods of synthesizing nanoparticles is a major step in nanotechnology to allow their application in nanomedicine. The present study aims to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a cell-free extract of Acinetobacter spp. and evaluate their antibacterial activity.

Methods

Eighteen strains of Acinetobacter were screened for AgNP synthesis. AgNPs were characterized using various techniques. Reaction parameters were optimized, and their effect on the morphology of AgNPs was studied. The synergistic potential of AgNPs on 14 antibiotics against seven pathogens was determined by disc-diffusion, broth-microdilution, and minimum bactericidal concentration assays. The efficacy of AgNPs was evaluated as per the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Results

Only A. calcoaceticus LRVP54 produced AgNPs within 24 hours. Monodisperse spherical nanoparticles of 8–12 nm were obtained with 0.7 mM silver nitrate at 70°C. During optimization, a blue-shift in ultraviolet-visible spectra was seen. X-ray diffraction data and lattice fringes (d =0.23 nm) observed under high-resolution transmission electron microscope confirmed the crystallinity of AgNPs. These AgNPs were found to be more effective against Gram-negative compared with Gram-positive microorganisms. Overall, AgNPs showed the highest synergy with vancomycin in the disc-diffusion assay. For Enterobacter aerogenes, a 3.8-fold increase in inhibition zone area was observed after the addition of AgNPs with vancomycin. Reduction in MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration was observed on exposure of AgNPs with antibiotics. Interestingly, multidrug-resistant A. baumannii was highly sensitized in the presence of AgNPs and became susceptible to antibiotics except cephalosporins. Similarly, the vancomycin-resistant strain of Streptococcus mutans was also found to be susceptible to antibiotic treatment when AgNPs were added. These biogenic AgNPs showed significant synergistic activity on the β-lactam class of antibiotics.

Conclusion

This is the first report of synthesis of AgNPs using A. calcoaceticus LRVP54 and their significant synergistic activity with antibiotics resulting in increased susceptibility of multidrug-resistant bacteria evaluated as per MIC breakpoints of the CLSI standard.

New procedure to synthesize silver nanoparticles and their interaction with local anesthetics

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared in aqueous colloid dispersions by the reduction of Ag⁺ with glucose in alkaline medium. Tetraethyl orthosilicate and L-asparagine were added as stabilizers of NPs. The AgNPs were characterized, and their interaction with three local anesthetics (procaine, dibucaine, or tetracaine) was investigated. Optical spectra show the characteristic absorption band of AgNPs, due to surface plasmon resonance. Modifications in the position and shape of this band reflect the self-assembly of metal NPs mediated by anesthetic molecules and the progress in time of the aggregation process. Zeta-potential measuring was applied in order to characterize the electrostatic stability of the NPs. The size and shape of the AgNPs, as well as the features of the assemblies formed by their association in the presence of anesthetics, were evidenced by transmission electron microscopy images. Atomic force microscopy images showed the characteristics of the films of AgNPs deposited on glass support. The effect of the anesthetics could be described in terms of electrostatic forces between the negatively charged AgNPs and the anesthetic molecules, existing also in their cationic form at the working pH. But also hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions between the coated nanoparticles and anesthetics molecular species should be considered.