The Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Wounds Contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Mice: An Experimental Study
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Updated: Feb 21, 2026
A Delayed Inoculation Model of Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Wound Infection
Published on: February 20, 2020
Malahat Ahmadi1, Masood Adibhesami1
1Associate Professor of Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
Abstract:
The microorganisms have been usually noted as the major cause of delayed wound healing. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common pathogen causing these infections. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) show ample antibacterial activities. In present study, the effect of AgNPs alone and in combination with tetracycline investigated on inoculated wounds with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice. Twenty mice anesthetized and full-thickness skin wounds created on back of them and the bacterial suspension added to each wound bed. Wound infection assessed using total count of bacterial load and also wound healing monitored, macroscopically. In all groups treatments applied topically in the wound bed: AgNPs, tetracycline, AgNPs along with tetracycline and normal saline in control group. The tetracycline along with AgNPs achieved 100% wound closure on day 12. In the AgNPs group, the percentage of wound contraction has close figures compared to tetracycline and normal saline as 98, 99 and 79 percent, respectively. By day 12, all of the treated groups with AgNPs, tetracycline and AgNPs along with tetracycline showed decreases in surface bacterial concentration compared with control group. Also, significant decrease (P < 0.001) in deep skin bacterial counts in the AgNPs, tetracycline and AgNPs along with tetracycline compared with control group at any time point. Application of AgNPs along with tetracycline is more effective than AgNPs and tetracycline alone to reduce the bacterial load whilst wound macroscopic contraction increased. These findings support use of the AgNPs in combination with antibacterial medicine for the treatment of infectious skin wounds.
Insights
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) combined with tetracycline effectively treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa wound infections in mice. This combination therapy significantly reduces bacterial load and promotes complete wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Microbial infections, particularly by *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, are a primary cause of delayed wound healing.
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit significant antibacterial properties.
- Investigating novel therapeutic strategies is crucial for managing infectious wounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) alone and in combination with tetracycline against *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* infected wounds in a murine model.
- To assess the impact of these treatments on bacterial load and wound healing progression.
Main Methods:
- Full-thickness skin wounds were created in 20 mice and inoculated with *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*.
- Topical treatments included AgNPs, tetracycline, a combination of AgNPs and tetracycline, and normal saline (control).
- Bacterial load (surface and deep skin) and macroscopic wound healing (contraction percentage) were monitored.
Main Results:
- The combination of AgNPs and tetracycline achieved 100% wound closure by day 12.
- AgNPs and tetracycline alone showed high wound contraction rates (98% and 99%, respectively), comparable to the control (79%).
- All treatment groups demonstrated significant reductions in both surface and deep skin bacterial counts compared to the control group (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- The combination of AgNPs and tetracycline is more effective in reducing bacterial load and enhancing wound contraction than either agent alone.
- AgNPs show promise as an adjunct therapy for treating infectious skin wounds.
- These findings support the use of AgNPs in conjunction with conventional antibiotics for improved infectious wound management.
