Shape and size engineered cellulosic nanomaterials as broad spectrum anti-microbial compounds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Oxidized celluloses are established antimicrobial agents in wound care.
• Previous research explored 6-carboxycellulose for similar applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel 2,3,6-tricarboxycellulose nanoparticles.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of these nanoparticles against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of spherical 2,3,6-tricarboxycellulose nanoparticles (25-35nm).
• In vitro antimicrobial activity testing against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains).
• Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC99) values.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized narrow size range (25-35nm) spherical 2,3,6-tricarboxycellulose nanoparticles.
• Demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and Mycobacterial species.
• Observed activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis at MIC99 values of 250-1000μg/ml.

Conclusions:

• 2,3,6-tricarboxycellulose nanoparticles represent a next-generation antimicrobial material.
• These nanoparticles exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, including activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• The biocompatible and biodegradable nature of these nanoparticles makes them promising candidates for dual-role drug delivery vehicles (encapsulant and antimicrobial agent).