Antibacterial effects of silver nanoparticles on gram-negative bacteria: influence on the growth and biofilms formation, mechanisms of action

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using a probiotic Bacillus licheniformis Dahb1 and their antibiofilm activity and toxicity effects in Ceriodaphnia cornuta

In the present study, we synthesized and characterized a probiotic Bacillus licheniformis cell free extract (BLCFE) coated silver nanoparticles (BLCFE-AgNPs). These BLCFE-AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometer, XRD, EDX, FTIR, TEM and AFM. A strong surface plasmon resonance centered at 422 nm in UV-visible spectrum indicates the formation of AgNPs. The XRD spectrum of silver nanoparticles exhibited 2θ values corresponding to the silver nanocrystal. TEM and AFM showed the AgNPs were spherical in shape within the range of 18.69-63.42 nm and the presence of silver was confirmed by EDX analysis. Light and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) images showed a weak adherence and disintegrated biofilm formation of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Dav1 treated with BLCFE-AgNPs compared to control. This result suggests that BLCFE-AgNps may be used for the control of biofilm forming bacterial populations in the biomedical field. In addition, acute toxicity results concluded that BLCFE-AgNPs were less toxic to the fresh water crustacean Ceriodaphnia cornuta (50 μg/ml) when compared to AgNO3 (22 μg/ml). This study also reports a short term analysis (24 h) of uptake and depuration of BLCFE-AgNPs in C. cornuta.

Decrease of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation by food waste materials

The formation of bacterial biofilm on various surfaces has significant negative economic effects. The aim of this study was to find a simple procedure to decrease the Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation in a water environment by using different food waste biological materials as signal molecule adsorbents. The selected biomaterials did not reduce the cell growth but affected biofilm formation. Promising biomaterials were magnetically modified in order to simplify manipulation and facilitate their magnetic separation. The best biocomposite, magnetically modified spent grain, exhibited substantial adsorption of signal molecules and decreased the biofilm formation. These results suggest that selected food waste materials and their magnetically responsive derivatives could be applied to solve biofilm problems in water environment.

Peptides conjugated to silver nanoparticles in biomedicine – a “value-added” phenomenon

This review presents a glimpse of the various aspects of nanoparticles, in particular silver nanoparticles and their conjugation to peptides, thus opening an avenue for new discoveries in nanomaterials.

Escherichia coli under Ionic Silver Stress: An Integrative Approach to Explore Transcriptional, Physiological and Biochemical Responses

For a better understanding of the systemic effect of sub-lethal micromolar concentrations of ionic silver on Escherichia coli, we performed a multi-level characterization of cells under Ag⁺-mediated stress using an integrative biology approach combining physiological, biochemical and transcriptomic data. Physiological parameters, namely bacterial growth and survival after Ag⁺ exposure, were first quantified and related to the accumulation of intracellular silver, probed for the first time by nano secondary ion mass spectroscopy at sub-micrometer lateral resolution. Modifications in E. coli biochemical composition were evaluated under Ag⁺-mediated stress by in situ synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy and a comprehensive transcriptome response was also determined. Using multivariate statistics, correlations between the physiological parameters, the extracellular concentration of AgNO₃ and the intracellular silver content, gene expression profiles and micro-spectroscopic data were investigated. We identified Ag⁺-dependent regulation of gene expression required for growth (e.g. transporter genes, transcriptional regulators, ribosomal proteins), for ionic silver transport and detoxification (e.g. copA, cueO, mgtA, nhaR) and for coping with various types of stress (dnaK, pspA, metA,R, oxidoreductase genes). The silver-induced shortening of the acyl chain of fatty acids, mostly encountered in cell membrane, was highlighted by microspectroscopy and correlated with the down-regulated expression of genes involved in fatty acid transport (fadL) and synthesis/modification of lipid A (lpxA and arnA). The increase in the disordered secondary structure of proteins in the presence of Ag⁺ was assessed through the conformational shift shown for amides I and II, and further correlated with the up-regulated expression of peptidase (hfq) and chaperone (dnaJ), and regulation of transpeptidase expression (ycfS and ycbB). Interestingly, as these transpeptidases act on the structural integrity of the cell wall, regulation of their expression may explain the morphological damage reported under Ag⁺-mediated stress. This result clearly demonstrates that the cell membrane is a key target of ionic silver.

New guanidine-containing nanocomposites impeding the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis 33 and the biofilm formation

New water-soluble nanocomposites (AgNCs) based on Ag and copolymers of 2,2-diallyl-1,1,3,3-tetraethylguanidiniumchloride with N-vinylpyrrolidone [poly(AGC-VP)] and vinylacetate [poly(AGC-VA)] have been developed. Antibacterial action of new silver nanocomposites on S. epidermidis 33 (planctonic cells and biofilms) is reported in this study. AgNCs strongly inhibited biofilms formation of S. epidermidis 33. The viability of S. epidermidis 33 cells in biofilms was considerably reduced by new AgNCs. It has been shown that S. epidermidis 33 inactivation in biofilms occurs at AgNC concentrations > 5 times higher as compared to those inhibiting completely the planktonic cells. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 630-638, 2016.

Advances in Dental Materials through Nanotechnology: Facts, Perspectives and Toxicological Aspects

Nanotechnology is currently driving the dental materials industry to substantial growth, thus reflecting on improvements in materials available for oral prevention and treatment. The present review discusses new developments in nanotechnology applied to dentistry, focusing on the use of nanomaterials for improving the quality of oral care, the perspectives of research in this arena, and discussions on safety concerns regarding the use of dental nanomaterials. Details are provided on the cutting-edge properties (morphological, antibacterial, mechanical, fluorescence, antitumoral, and remineralization and regeneration potential) of polymeric, metallic and inorganic nano-based materials, as well as their use as nanocluster fillers, in nanocomposites, mouthwashes, medicines, and biomimetic dental materials. Nanotoxicological aspects, clinical applications, and perspectives for these nanomaterials are also discussed.

Non-labile silver species in biosolids remain stable throughout 50 years of weathering and ageing

Increasing commercial use of nanosilver has focussed attention on the fate of silver (Ag) in the wastewater release pathway. This paper reports the speciation and lability of Ag in archived, stockpiled, and contemporary biosolids from the UK, USA and Australia, and indicates that biosolids Ag concentrations have decreased significantly over recent decades. XANES revealed the importance of reduced-sulfur binding environments for Ag speciation in materials ranging from freshly produced sludge to biosolids weathered under ambient environmental conditions for more than 50 years. Isotopic dilution with (110 m)Ag showed that Ag was predominantly non-labile in both fresh and aged biosolids (13.7% mean lability), with E-values ranging from 0.3 to 60 mg/kg and 5 mM CaNO3 extractable Ag from 1.2 to 609 μg/kg (0.002-3.4% of the total Ag). This study indicates that at the time of soil application, biosolids Ag will be predominantly Ag-sulfides and characterised by low isotopic lability.

Changes in soil bacterial communities and diversity in response to long-term silver exposure

Silver-induced selective pressure is becoming increasingly important due to the growing use of silver (Ag) as an antimicrobial agent in biomedical and commercial products. With demonstrated links between environmental resistomes and clinical pathogens, it is important to identify microbial profiles related to silver tolerance/resistance. We investigated the effects of ionic Ag stress on soil bacterial communities and identified resistant/persistent bacterial populations. Silver treatments of 50-400 mg Ag kg(-1) soil were established in five soils. Chemical lability measurements using diffusive gradients in thin-film devices confirmed that significant (albeit decreasing) labile Ag concentrations were present throughout the 9-month incubation period. Synchrotron X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy demonstrated that this decreasing lability was due to changes in the Ag speciation to less soluble forms such as Ag(0) and Ag2S. Real-time PCR and Illumina MiSeq screening of 16S rRNA bacterial genes showed β-diversity changes, increasing α-diversity in response to Ag pressure, and immediate and significant reductions in 16S rRNA gene counts with varying degrees of recovery. These effects were more strongly influenced by exposure time than by Ag dose at these rates. Ag-selected dominant OTUs principally resided in known persister taxa (mainly Gram positive), including metal-tolerant bacteria and slow-growing Mycobacteria.

Mechanistic lessons learned from studies of planktonic bacteria with metallic nanomaterials: implications for interactions between nanomaterials and biofilm bacteria

Metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are used in numerous applications and have high likelihood of entering engineered and natural environmental systems. Careful assessment of the interaction of these NPs with bacteria, particularly biofilm bacteria, is necessary. This perspective discusses mechanisms of NP interaction with bacteria and identifies challenges in understanding NP-biofilm interaction, considering fundamental material attributes and inherent complexities of biofilm structure. The current literature is reviewed, both for planktonic bacteria and biofilms; future challenges and complexities are identified, both in light of the literature and a dataset on the toxicity of silver NPs toward planktonic and biofilm bacteria. This perspective aims to highlight the complexities in such studies and emphasizes the need for systematic evaluation of NP-biofilm interaction.

Perturbation of cellular mechanistic system by silver nanoparticle toxicity: Cytotoxic, genotoxic and epigenetic potentials

Currently the applications of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are gaining overwhelming response due to the advancement of nanotechnology. However, only limited information is available with regard to their toxicity mechanism in different species. It is very essential to understand the complete molecular mechanism to explore the functional and long term applications of Ag NPs. Ag NPs could be toxic at cellular, subcellular, biomolecular, and epigenetic levels. Toxicity effects induced by Ag NPs have been evaluated using numerous in vitro and in vivo models, but still there are contradictions in interpretations due to disparity in methodology, test endpoints and several other model parameters which needs to be considered. Thus, this review article focuses on the progressive elucidation of molecular mechanism of toxicity induced by Ag NPs in various in vitro and in vivo models. Apart from these, this review also highlights the various ignored factors which are to be considered during toxicity studies.

Biogenic selenium and tellurium nanoparticles synthesized by environmental microbial isolates efficaciously inhibit bacterial planktonic cultures and biofilms

The present study deals with Se⁰- and Te⁰-based nanoparticles bio-synthesized by two selenite- and tellurite-reducing bacterial strains, namely Stenotrophomonas maltophilia SeITE02 and Ochrobactrum sp. MPV1, isolated from polluted sites. We evidenced that, by regulating culture conditions and exposure time to the selenite and tellurite oxyanions, differently sized zero-valent Se and Te nanoparticles were produced. The results revealed that these Se⁰ and Te⁰ nanoparticles possess antimicrobial and biofilm eradication activity against Escherichia coli JM109, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. In particular, Se⁰ nanoparticles exhibited antimicrobial activity at quite low concentrations, below that of selenite. Toxic effects of both Se⁰ and Te⁰ nanoparticles can be related to the production of reactive oxygen species upon exposure of the bacterial cultures. Evidence so far achieved suggests that the antimicrobial activity seems to be strictly linked to the dimensions of the nanoparticles: indeed, the highest activity was shown by nanoparticles of smaller sizes. In particular, it is worth noting how the bacteria tested in biofilm mode responded to the treatment by Se⁰ and Te⁰ nanoparticles with a susceptibility similar to that observed in planktonic cultures. This suggests a possible exploitation of both Se⁰ and Te⁰ nanoparticles as efficacious antimicrobial agents with a remarkable biofilm eradication capacity.

Silver nanoparticles impact phototrophic biofilm communities to a considerably higher degree than ionic silver

Due to the significant increase in nanoparticle production and especially that of silver nanoparticles over the past decade, the toxicity of silver in both ionic (Ag(+)) and nanoparticulate (AgNPs) form must be studied in detail in order to understand their impact on natural ecosystems. A comparative study of the effect of AgNPs and ionic silver on two independent phototrophic biofilms was conducted in a rotating annular bioreactor (RAB) operating under constant conditions. The concentration of dissolved silver in the inlet solution was progressively increased every 4 days of exposure, from 0.1 to 100 μg L(-1). In the course of the 40-day experiment, biofilm samples were collected to determine the evolution of biomass, chlorophyll-a, as well as photosynthetic and heterotrophic enzymatic activities in response to silver addition. Analysis of both dissolved and particulate silver allowed quantification of the distribution coefficient and uptake rate constants. The presence of both AgNPs and Ag(+) produced significant changes in the biofilm structure, decreasing the relative percentage of Diatomophyceae and Cyanophyceae and increasing the relative percentage of Chlorophyceae. The accumulation capacity of the phototrophic biofilm with respect to ionic silver and the corresponding distribution coefficients were an order of magnitude higher than those of the phototrophic biofilm with respect to AgNPs. Higher levels of AgNPs decreased the biomass from 8.6 ± 0.2 mg cm(-2) for 0-10 μg L(-1) AgNPs to 6.0 ± 0.1 mg cm(-2) for 100 μg L(-1) added AgNPs, whereas ionic silver did not have any toxic effect on the biofilm growth up to 100 μg L(-1) of added Ag(+). At the same time, AgNPs did not significantly affect the photosynthetic activity of the biofilm surface communities compared to Ag(+). It can thus be hypothesized that negatively charged AgNPs may travel through the biofilm water channels, thereby affecting the whole biofilm structure. In contrast, positively charged Ag(+) is bound at the cell surfaces and EPS, thus blocking its further flux within the biofilm layers. On the whole, the phototrophic biofilm demonstrated significant capacities to accumulate silver within the surface layers. The main mechanism to avoid the toxic effects is metal complexation with exopolysaccharides and accumulation within cell walls, especially pronounced under Ag(+) stress. The significant AgNPs and Ag(+) uptake capacities of phototrophic biofilm make it a highly resistant ecosystem in silver-polluted river waters.

Silver nanoparticles as potential antibacterial agents

Multi-drug resistance is a growing problem in the treatment of infectious diseases and the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has produced antibiotic resistance for many human bacterial pathogens. Advances in nanotechnology have opened new horizons in nanomedicine, allowing the synthesis of nanoparticles that can be assembled into complex architectures. Novel studies and technologies are devoted to understanding the mechanisms of disease for the design of new drugs, but unfortunately infectious diseases continue to be a major health burden worldwide. Since ancient times, silver was known for its anti-bacterial effects and for centuries it has been used for prevention and control of disparate infections. Currently nanotechnology and nanomaterials are fully integrated in common applications and objects that we use every day. In addition, the silver nanoparticles are attracting much interest because of their potent antibacterial activity. Many studies have also shown an important activity of silver nanoparticles against bacterial biofilms. This review aims to summarize the emerging efforts to address current challenges and solutions in the treatment of infectious diseases, particularly the use of nanosilver antimicrobials.

Nanosilver induces a non-culturable but metabolically active state in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have raised expectations for the protection of medical devices and consumer products against biofilms. The effect of silver on bacteria is commonly determined by culture-dependent methods. It is as yet unknown if silver-exposed bacteria can enter a metabolically active but non-culturable state. In this study, the efficacy of chemically synthesized AgNPs and silver as silver nitrate (AgNO3) against planktonic cells and biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa AdS was investigated in microtiter plate assays, using cultural as well as culture-independent methods. In liquid medium, AgNPs and AgNO3 inhibited both planktonic growth and biofilm formation. The efficacy of AgNPs and AgNO3 against established, 24 h-old biofilms and planktonic stationary-phase cells was compared by exposure to silver in deionized water. Loss of culturability of planktonic cells was always higher than that of the attached biofilms. However, resuspended biofilm cells became more susceptible to AgNPs and AgNO3 than attached biofilms. Thus, the physical state of bacteria within biofilms rendered them more tolerant to silver compared with the planktonic state. Silver-exposed cells that had become unculturable still displayed signs of viability: they contained rRNA, determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization, as an indicator for potential protein synthesis, maintained their membrane integrity as monitored by differential live/dead staining, and displayed significant levels of adenosine triphosphate. It was concluded that AgNPs and AgNO3 in concentrations at which culturability was inhibited, both planktonic and biofilm cells of P. aeruginosa were still intact and metabolically active, reminiscent of the viable but non-culturable state known to be induced in pathogenic bacteria in response to stress conditions. This observation is important for a realistic assessment of the antimicrobial properties of AgNPs.

Facile biofunctionalization of silver nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial properties, endotoxin removal, and biofilm control

Infectious diseases cause a huge burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Pathogenic bacteria establish infection by developing antibiotic resistance and modulating the host’s immune system, whereas opportunistic pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa adapt to adverse conditions owing to their ability to form biofilms. In the present study, silver nanoparticles were biofunctionalized with polymyxin B, an antibacterial peptide using a facile method. The biofunctionalized nanoparticles (polymyxin B-capped silver nanoparticles, PBSNPs) were assessed for antibacterial activity against multiple drug-resistant clinical strain Vibrio fluvialis and nosocomial pathogen P. aeruginosa. The results of antibacterial assay revealed that PBSNPs had an approximately 3-fold higher effect than the citrate-capped nanoparticles (CSNPs). Morphological damage to the cell membrane was followed by scanning electron microscopy, testifying PBSNPs to be more potent in controlling the bacterial growth as compared with CSNPs. The bactericidal effect of PBSNPs was further confirmed by Live/Dead staining assays. Apart from the antibacterial activity, the biofunctionalized nanoparticles were found to resist biofilm formation. Electroplating of PBSNPs onto stainless steel surgical blades retained the antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa. Further, the affinity of polymyxin for endotoxin was exploited for its removal using PBSNPs. It was found that the prepared nanoparticles removed 97% of the endotoxin from the solution. Such multifarious uses of metal nanoparticles are an attractive means of enhancing the potency of antimicrobial agents to control infections.

DNA/Ag Nanoparticles as Antibacterial Agents against Gram-Negative Bacteria

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were produced using DNA extracted from salmon milt as templates. Particles spherical in shape with an average diameter smaller than 10 nm were obtained. The nanoparticles consisted of Ag as the core with an outermost thin layer of DNA. The DNA/Ag hybrid nanoparticles were immobilized over the surface of cotton based fabrics and their antibacterial efficiency was evaluated using E. coli as the typical Gram-negative bacteria. The antibacterial experiments were performed according to the Antibacterial Standard of Japanese Association for the Functional Evaluation of Textiles. The fabrics modified with DNA/Ag nanoparticles showed a high enough inhibitory and killing efficiency against E. coli at a concentration of Ag ≥ 10 ppm.

Synthesis and extracellular accumulation of silver nanoparticles by employing radiation-resistant Deinococcus radiodurans, their characterization, and determination of bioactivity

There has been rapid progress in exploring microorganisms for green synthesis of nanoparticles since microbes show extraordinary diversity in terms of species richness and niche localization. Microorganisms are easy to culture using relatively inexpensive and simple nutrients under varied conditions of temperature, pressure, pH, etc. In this work, Deinococcus radiodurans that possesses the ability to withstand extremely high radiation and desiccation stress has been employed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). D. radiodurans was able to accumulate AgNPs in medium under various conditions, and process optimization was carried out with respect to time, temperature, pH, and concentration of silver salt. AgNPs were characterized using UV/vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The microbially synthesized AgNPs exhibited good antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms and anti-biofouling activity. Their ability to inhibit growth and proliferation of cancer cell line was also examined, and it could be seen that AgNPs synthesized using D. radiodurans exhibited excellent anticancer activity.

Micro CT visualization of silver nanoparticles in the middle and inner ear of rat and transportation pathway after transtympanic injection

Background

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) displayed strong activities in anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal studies and were reportedly efficient in treating otitis media. Information on distribution of AgNPs in different compartments of the ear is lacking.

Objective

To detect distribution of Ag NPs in the middle and inner ear and transportation pathways after transtympanic injection.

Methods

Contrast effect of Ag NPs in the micro CT imaging was assessed in a phantom. AgNPs at various concentrations (1.85 mM, 37.1 mM, and 370.7 mM) were administered to rat middle ear using transtympanic injection and cadaver heads were imaged using micro CT at several time points.

Results

The lowest concentration of Ag NPs that could be visualized using micro CT was 37.1 mM. No difference was observed between the solvents, deionized H₂O and saline. Ag NPs at 37.1 mM were visible in the middle ear on 7 d post-administration. Ag NPs at 370.7 mM generated signals in the middle ear, ossicular chain, round window membrane, oval window, scala tympani, and Eustachian tube for both 4 h and 24 h time points. A gradient distribution of Ag NPs from the middle ear to the inner ear was detected. The pathways for Ag NPs to be transported from the middle ear into the inner ear are round and oval windows.

Conclusion

This study provided the imaging evidence that Ag NPs are able to access the inner ear in a dose-dependent manner after intratympanic administration, which is relevant to design the delivery concentration in the future clinic application in order to avoid adverse inner ear effect.

Antibacterial textiles functionalized by layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolytes and TiO2photocatalyst

Antibacterial photocatalytic textiles with high self-decontaminating activity under solar light againstE. colihave been prepared by sprayed layer-by-layer assembly of TiO₂and polyethylenimine or polyanionic poly(styrene sulfonate) polyelectrolyte.

Antimicrobial Synergic Effect of Allicin and Silver Nanoparticles on Skin Infection Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus spp

Background:

Today, the commonly used antibiotics may more and more frequently be ineffective against multiple pathogens, due to the selection of resistant microbial strains. As a result, an effort to find a new approach for solving this issue has been considered.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to investigate antimicrobial properties of allicin, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and their combination again skin infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains in an animal model.

Materials and Methods:

In vivo, the effects of allicin, Ag NPs and their combination were investigated on mice in which the skin infection was caused by MRSA strains. In animals, S. aureus colony-forming units (CFU)/mL were counted the 4^th day after treatment. In vitro, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of bacterial growth and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of allicin, Ag NPs and their combination were determined by microdilution technique.

Results:

The results of in vitro assays showed that MIC of allicin and Ag NPs were 2.2 mg/mL and 5.6 mg/mL, respectively, and MBC of allicin and Ag NPs were 3.1 ppm and 7.5 ppm, respectively. However, MIC and MBC of allicin and Ag NPs together on MRSA strains were 0.4 mg/mL and 1.1 ppm, respectively. The results of in vivo tests on skin infection showed that bacteria counted for control, Ag NPs, allicin and their combination were 377 × 108, 80 × 106, 43 × 105, and 0 CFU/mL, respectively.

Conclusion:

The obtained results clearly indicated (for the first time, to the best of our knowledge) that allicin and Ag NPs, when used in combination, exhibited a synergistic activity. Therefore, the present results can be of interest in the future to improve the treatment of skin infections caused by MRSA strains.

Antibacterial activities of silver nanoparticles and antibiotic-adsorbed silver nanoparticles against biorecycling microbes

Silver nanoparticles have a huge share in nanotechnology based products used in clinical and hygiene products. Silver nanoparticles leaching from these medical and domestic products will eventually enter terrestrial ecosystems and will interact with the microbes present in the land and water. These interactions could be a threat to biorecycling microbes present in the Earth's crust. The antimicrobial action towards biorecycling microbes by leached silver nanoparticles from medical waste could be many times greater compared to that of silver nanoparticles leached from other domestic products, since medical products may contain traditional antibiotics along with silver nanoparticles. In the present article, we have evaluated the antimicrobial activities of as-synthesized silver nanoparticles, antibiotics - tetracycline and kanamycin, and antibiotic-adsorbed silver nanoparticles. The antimicrobial action of silver nanoparticles with adsorbed antibiotics is 33-100% more profound against the biorecycling microbes B. subtilis and Pseudomonas compared to the antibacterial action of silver nanoparticles of the same concentration. This study indicates that there is an immediate and urgent need for well-defined protocols for environmental exposure to silver nanoparticles, as the use of silver nanoparticles in nanotechnology based products is poorly restricted.

Silver deposition on titanium surface by electrochemical anodizing process reduces bacterial adhesion of Streptococcus sanguinis and Lactobacillus salivarius

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial properties of silver-doped titanium surfaces prepared with a novel electrochemical anodizing process.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Titanium samples were anodized with a pulsed process in a solution of silver nitrate and sodium thiosulphate at room temperature with stirring. Samples were processed with different electrolyte concentrations and treatment cycles to improve silver deposition. Physicochemical properties were determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, white-light interferometry, and scanning electron microscopy. Cellular cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts was studied with lactate dehydrogenase assays. The in vitro effect of treated surfaces on two oral bacteria strains (Streptococcus sanguinis and Lactobacillus salivarius) was studied with viable bacterial adhesion measurements and growth curve assays. Nonparametric statistical Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used for multiple and paired comparisons, respectively. Post hoc Spearman's correlation tests were calculated to check the dependence between bacteria adhesion and surface properties.

RESULTS

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirmed the presence of silver on treated samples and showed that treatments with higher silver nitrate concentration and more cycles increased the silver deposition on titanium surface. No negative effects in fibroblast cell viability were detected and a significant reduction on bacterial adhesion in vitro was achieved in silver-treated samples compared with control titanium.

CONCLUSIONS

Silver deposition on titanium with a novel electrochemical anodizing process produced surfaces with significant antibacterial properties in vitro without negative effects on cell viability.

Designing nanogel carriers for antibacterial applications

We have developed a novel and simple synthesis route to create nanosized (∼5nm) silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) embedded in a biocompatible nanogel (NG) comprising degradable, natural polymers, namely dextran and lysozyme. In this study, we prepared hybrid nanogels with varying lysozyme content, evaluated their potential to reduce Ag NPs in situ (using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, cryo-transmission electronic microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and determined their antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Lysozyme was found to enhance nucleation and stabilization of Ag NPs while limiting their growth. As lysozyme concentration increased, larger nanogels with greater loading of smaller Ag NPs were obtained. The antibacterial properties of hybrid NGs were found to depend upon nanogel type and bacterial conditions. Hybrid nanogels with the largest Ag NPs showed the lowest minimum inhibition concentration. However, the greatest bacterial killing efficiency (up to 100%) occurred within 1h if the bacteria were exposed to hybrid nanogels with smaller Ag NPs while agitating the medium. These results suggest that nanogel properties as well as antibacterial activity can be tuned by varying the lysozyme content. By targeting drug delivery (e.g. ligand grafted surface), these nanogels can be used to prevent biofilm formation and control infection without the complications (i.e. overexposure) associated with classical antibiotic delivery platforms.

Application of external drugs comprising silver compounds for the treatment of pyodermic patients

An external anti-bacterial therapy is selected for pyodermic patients empirically. Silver sulfathiazole has an evident anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effect against a broad range of microorganisms. Goal of the study. To assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a cream comprising 2% silver sulfathiazole vs. 3% tetracycline ointment for the treatment of pyodermic patients. Materials and methods. The study involved 50 pyodermic patients (at the mean age of 23.5 ± 4.1 years) including 31 (62%) male and 19 (38%) female patients. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I (n = 35) used the cream comprising 2% silver sulfathiazole while Group II (n = 15) was administered 3% tetracycline ointment. All of the patients were assessed for clinical and microbiological efficacy of the therapy. Results. The average patient recovery time in Group I amounted to 8.7 ± 0.9 days and 13.1 ± 2.7 days in Group II (р < 0.01). As many as 33 patients (94.3%) achieved clinical recovery and 2 patients (5.7%) achieved improvement by Day 10 in Group I; in Group II, clinical recovery was observed in 8 patients (53.3%), improvement - in 3 patients (20%), and no effect - in 4 patients (26.7%). Conclusion. The external anti-bacterial monotherapy of pyodermic patients with the cream comprising 2% silver sulfathiazole is more efficient than treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment. High clinical and microbiological efficacy of the cream comprising 2% silver sulfathiazole makes it possible to recommend it for empirical treatment of pyodermic patients.

A facile route to synthesize casein capped copper nanoparticles: an effective antibacterial agent and selective colorimetric sensor for mercury and tryptophan

A simple method was developed for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) with relatively high concentration by using casein as a capping agent.

Is biofilm formation related to the hypermutator phenotype in clinical Enterobacteriaceae isolates?

In bacteria, complex adaptive processes are involved during transition from the planktonic to the biofilm mode of growth, and mutator strains are more prone to producing biofilms. Enterobacteriaceae species were isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs; 222 strains) and from bloodstream infections (BSIs; 213 strains). Relationship between the hypermutable phenotype and biofilm forming capacity was investigated in these clinical strains. Mutation frequencies were estimated by monitoring the capacity of each strain to generate mutations that conferred rifampicin resistance on supplemented medium. Initiation of biofilm formation was assayed by determining the ability of the cells to adhere to a 96-well polystyrene microtitre plate. UTI Enterobacteriaceae strains showed significantly higher biofilm-forming capacity: 63.1% (54.0% for E. coli strains) vs. 42.3% for BSI strains (47.7% for E. coli). Strains isolated from UTIs did not present higher mutation frequencies than those from BSIs: contrary to what has been widely described for P. aeruginosa strains, isolated from pulmonary samples in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis, no relationship was found between the hypermutator phenotype in Enterobacteriaceae and the ability to initiate a biofilm.

Nanotechnology-based restorative materials for dental caries management

Nanotechnology has been applied to dental materials as an innovative concept for the development of materials with better properties and anticaries potential. In this review we discuss the current progress and future applications of functional nanoparticles incorporated in dental restorative materials as useful strategies to dental caries management. We also overview proposed antimicrobial and remineralizing mechanisms. Nanomaterials have great potential to decrease biofilm accumulation, inhibit the demineralization process, to be used for remineralizing tooth structure, and to combat caries-related bacteria. These results are encouraging and open the doors to future clinical studies that will allow the therapeutic value of nanotechnology-based restorative materials to be established.

Fine mechanisms of the interaction of silver nanoparticles with the cells of Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus

Silver nanoparticles possess antibacterial effect for various bacteria; however mechanisms of the interaction between Ag-NPs and bacterial cells remain unclear. The aim of our study was to obtain direct evidence of Ag-NPs penetration into cells of Gram-negative bacterium S. typhimurium and Gram-positive bacterium S. aureus, and to study cell responses to Ag-NPs. The Ag-NPs (most 8-10 nm) were obtained by gas-jet method. S. typhimurium (7.81 × 10⁷ CFU), or S. aureus (8.96 × 10⁷ CFU) were treated by Ag-NPs (0.05 mg/l of silver) in orbital shaker at 190 rpm, 37 °C. Bacteria were sampled at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 5 and 23 h of the incubation for transmission electron microscopy of ultrathin sections. The Ag-NPs adsorbed on outer membrane of S. typhimurium and cell wall of S. auereus; penetrated and accumulated in cells without aggregation and damaging of neighboring cytoplasm. In cells of S. aureus Ag-NPs bound with DNA fibers. Cell responses to Ag-NPs differed morphologically in S. typhimurium and S. aureus, and mainly were presented by damage of cell structures. The cytoplasm of S. aureus became amorphous, while S. typhimurium showed lumping and lysis of cytoplasm which led to formation of "empty" cells. Other difference was fast change of cell shape in S. typhimurium, and late deformation of S. aureus cells. The obtained results showed how different could be responses induced by the same NPs in relatively simple prokaryotic cells. Evidently, Ag-NPs directly interact with macromolecular structures of living cells and are exert an active influence on their metabolism.

Electrochemical Method for Ag-PEG Nanoparticles Synthesis

In this work we present an electrochemical method to successfully prepare silver nanoparticles using only polyethylene glycol as stabilizer and without any other reactive. Here we study the use of the polymeric stabilizer to allow the introduction of a potential tool to reinforce the control of the size and shape of the nanoparticles throughout the synthesis process. The evolution of the reactions was followed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The electrode processes were characterized by cyclic voltammetric measurements and the final product was studied by Atomic Force Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction. The influences of the current density, polymer length, and concentration media were analyzed.