Colloidal silver nanoparticles/rhamnolipid (SNPRL) composite as novel chemotactic antibacterial agent
P Bharali1, J P Saikia, S Paul
1Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur (Central) University, Napaam, Tezpur 784028, Assam, India.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|July 16, 2013
Summary
Silver nanoparticles/rhamnolipid composite (SNPRL) exhibit enhanced antibacterial and chemotactic activity. This novel composite outperforms individual silver nanoparticles (SNP) and rhamnolipid (RL) against common bacterial strains.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Silver nanoparticles (SNP) possess known antibacterial properties.
- Rhamnolipid (RL) biosurfactants also exhibit antimicrobial effects.
- Investigating synergistic effects of combined antimicrobial agents is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibacterial and chemotactic activity of silver nanoparticles/rhamnolipid composite (SNPRL).
- To compare the efficacy of SNPRL against its individual components, SNP and RL.
- To characterize the SNPRL nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Antibacterial and chemotactic assays were performed using Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis.
- Nanoparticle characterization included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Main Results:
- The silver nanoparticles/rhamnolipid composite (SNPRL) demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against all tested bacterial strains.
- SNPRL also exhibited enhanced chemotactic activity compared to SNP and RL alone.
- Characterization confirmed the formation and properties of the SNPRL nanoparticles.
Conclusions:
- The SNPRL composite shows superior antibacterial and chemotactic efficacy compared to individual silver nanoparticles and rhamnolipid.
- SNPRL represents a promising advanced material for antimicrobial applications.
- Synergistic interactions between silver nanoparticles and rhamnolipid enhance biological activity.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Colloidal precipitates
The high insolubility of some precipitates can result in an unfavorable relative supersaturation. This can lead to colloidal particles with a large surface-to-mass ratio, where adsorption is promoted. For instance, in the precipitation of silver chloride, silver ions are adsorbed on the surface of the colloidal particles, forming a primary layer. This layer attracts ions of opposite charge (such as nitrate ions), forming a diffuse secondary layer of adsorbed ions. This electric double layer...
01:21Chemotaxis and Direction of Cell Migration
Cells can detect chemical cues in their environment and reorganize the cytoskeleton to migrate toward them or away from them. This directional migration, called chemotaxis, is essential during embryogenesis and development, immune response, tissue repair and regeneration, and reproduction. These chemical cues can either attract or repel the cell's movement. For example, axon development is determined by a combination of chemoattractants and chemorepellents that direct the growing axon towards...