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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Photo-responsive functional gold nanocapsules for inactivation of community-acquired, highly virulent,
Nanasaheb D Thorat1, Ewa Dworniczek, Grace Brennan
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, wybrzeże Stanisława Wyspiańskiego 27, Wrocław 50-370, Poland. thoratnd@gmail.com joanna.bauer@pwr.edu.pl.
Abstract:
The indiscriminate and sporadic use of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of drug resistance phenomenon in bacteria including but not limited to Staphylococcus aureus. These drug-resistant bacteria have been threatening safety in hospitals and adversely affecting human health. Here we report a strategy to design photo-stimulated theranostic nanoprobes against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) "superbug" USA300. The nanocapsule probe is based on gold nanorods (GNRs) coated with pegylated thiol, mPEG-SH, which has been further modified by adding successively a natural antibacterial compound such as curcumin, and a cell targeting deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) aptamer. We have used this novel gold nanocapsules for near-infrared (NIR) photophysical stimulation against pathogenic bacteria. We have found that the novel nanocapsule blocks biofilm formation and kills bacteria by photothermal action that causes disruption of the bacterial cell wall and membrane. In this approach, multiple drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has been captured by these nanocapsules through DNA aptamer targeting. All of the trapped bacteria could be killed in 30 minutes during the NIR stimulation due to the combination of photothermal effect, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a loss of transmembrane potential (Δψ). Importantly we did not notice any resistance developed against the photothermal treatment. This is remarkable from an anti-biofilm activity point of view. Importantly, these multifunctional nanocapsules have also shown a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) effect, which could be used to evaluate the success of the inactivation effect during treatment. These results indicate that nanocapsule-based photo treatment can be an alternative antibacterial strategy without contributing to antibiotic resistance, and thus can be used for both environmental and therapeutic applications.
Insights
Researchers developed novel gold nanocapsules that kill drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA using light. This photothermal therapy offers a new approach to combat superbugs without causing further antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance in bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, poses a significant threat to public health.
- Existing treatments are limited by the emergence of resistant strains and hospital-acquired infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate photo-stimulated theranostic nanoprobes for targeting and eliminating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- To explore a novel antibacterial strategy that circumvents conventional antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Gold nanorods (GNRs) were functionalized with mPEG-SH, curcumin, and DNA aptamers to create nanocapsule probes.
- Near-infrared (NIR) photophysical stimulation was applied to MRSA USA300.
- Bacterial inactivation was assessed via photothermal effects, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and transmembrane potential changes.
- Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was utilized for treatment evaluation.
Main Results:
- The nanocapsule probes effectively captured MRSA via DNA aptamer targeting.
- NIR stimulation led to bacterial cell wall and membrane disruption, killing bacteria within 30 minutes.
- The treatment demonstrated significant anti-biofilm activity.
- No significant resistance developed against the photothermal treatment.
- SERS confirmed the efficacy of bacterial inactivation.
Conclusions:
- Photo-stimulated nanocapsules offer a promising alternative antibacterial strategy against MRSA.
- This approach effectively eliminates bacteria and prevents biofilm formation without inducing antibiotic resistance.
- The theranostic capabilities of the nanoprobes allow for real-time treatment monitoring.
- Potential applications include environmental and therapeutic uses for combating resistant bacterial infections.
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