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The Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Listeria monocytogenes PCM2191 Peptidoglycan Metabolism and Cell Permeability

Katarzyna Markowska1, Anna Maria Grudniak1, Barbara Milczarek1

  • 1Department of Bacterial Genetics, Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

Polish Journal of Microbiology
|November 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Silver nanoparticles show promise as an alternative therapy against Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen. Studies reveal nanosilver enhances bacterial cell lysis and envelope permeability, targeting the peptidoglycan cell wall.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Listeria monocytogenes is a significant foodborne pathogen causing listeriosis.
  • Increasing antibiotic resistance in L. monocytogenes necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Silver nanoparticles (nanosilver) are explored as potential antibacterial agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antibacterial effects of silver nanoparticles on Listeria monocytogenes.
  • To determine the mechanism of action of nanosilver against L. monocytogenes, focusing on cell lysis and envelope permeability.

Main Methods:

  • Determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of silver nanoparticles.
  • Treatment of L. monocytogenes with sublethal nanosilver concentrations (0.25 and 0.5 MIC).
  • Assessment of cell survival, autolysis of isolated peptidoglycan, and efflux of carboxyfluoresceine (cF), DNA, and proteins.

Main Results:

  • Nanosilver significantly enhanced the lysis of L. monocytogenes cells.
  • Autolysis of isolated peptidoglycan was moderately increased by nanosilver treatment.
  • Increased efflux of cF, DNA, and proteins from treated bacterial cells was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Silver nanoparticles exhibit potent antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes.
  • The peptidoglycan component of the bacterial cell wall is identified as a primary target of silver nanoparticle action.
  • Nanosilver represents a promising alternative therapeutic agent for combating L. monocytogenes infections.
Keywords:
Listeria monocytogenesautolysispeptidoglycanpermeabilitysilver nanoparticles

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