Mercaptophenylboronic Acid-Activated Gold Nanoparticles as Nanoantibiotics against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections pose a significant global health threat.
• Existing antibiotics are increasingly ineffective against MDR bacteria.
• Novel antibacterial strategies are urgently needed to combat these infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate mercaptophenylboronic acid (MBA)-activated gold nanoparticles (Au_MBA NPs) as a novel antibacterial agent.
• To assess the efficacy of Au_MBA NPs against Gram-positive MDR clinical isolates.
• To investigate the potential of Au_MBA NPs in wound dressing applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of mercaptophenylboronic acid (MBA)-activated gold nanoparticles (Au_MBA NPs).
• Evaluation of antibacterial activity against MDR clinical isolates, including MDR Staphylococcus aureus and MDR Staphylococcus epidermidis.
• Assessment of in vivo safety via median lethal dose (LD50) determination and application in infected wound models using electrospun PCL/gelatin nanofibrous membranes.

Main Results:

• Au_MBA NPs demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive MDR bacteria.
• Au_MBA NPs exhibited a high median lethal dose (LD50, i.v. = 960 mg/kg), indicating favorable safety.
• Au_MBA NPs-doped nanofibrous membranes effectively treated MDR S. aureus-infected skin wounds in rats.

Conclusions:

• Au_MBA NPs represent a novel and effective antibacterial agent against MDR bacteria.
• The developed Au_MBA NPs are safe and show significant potential for clinical applications, especially in treating infected wounds.
• This study offers a simple, cost-effective, and efficient strategy for managing challenging MDR bacterial infections.