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Published on: April 21, 2023
Silver Nanoparticles as an Effective Antimicrobial against Otitis Media Pathogens
Xiaojing Ma1, Jiayan Lang1, Pengyu Chen1
1Robert F. Smith School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.
Abstract:
Otitis Media (OM) is the most common reason for U.S. children to receive prescribed oral antibiotics, leading to potential to cause antibiotic resistance. To minimize oral antibiotic usage, we developed polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-PVP), which completely eradicated common OM pathogens, i.e., Streptococcus pneumoniae and non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) at 1.04μg/mL and 2.13μg/mL. The greater antimicrobial efficacy against S. pneumoniae was a result of the H2O2-producing ability of S. pneumoniae and the known synergistic interactions between H2O2 and AgNPs. To enable the sustained local delivery of AgNPs-PVP (e.g., via injection through perforated tympanic membranes), a hydrogel formulation of 18%(w/v)P407 was developed. Reverse thermal gelation of the AgNPs-PVP-P407 hydrogel could gel rapidly upon entering the warm auditory bullae and thereby sustained release of antimicrobials. This hydrogel-based local delivery system completely eradicated OM pathogens in vitro without cytotoxicity, and thus represents a promising strategy for treating bacterial OM without relying on conventional antibiotics.
Insights
This study introduces silver nanoparticles coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone for treating otitis media (OM). This novel approach effectively eradicates common OM pathogens, offering a promising alternative to oral antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Microbiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Otitis Media (OM) is a leading cause of antibiotic prescriptions in children.
- Widespread antibiotic use for OM contributes to antimicrobial resistance.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to combat bacterial OM effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-PVP) as a localized treatment for OM.
- To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of AgNPs-PVP against key OM pathogens.
- To create a hydrogel-based delivery system for sustained release of AgNPs-PVP in the auditory bullae.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-PVP).
- In vitro testing of AgNPs-PVP against *Streptococcus pneumoniae* and non-typeable *Haemophilus influenzae* (NTHi).
- Development of an 18%(w/v) P407 hydrogel for sustained local delivery of AgNPs-PVP, utilizing reverse thermal gelation.
Main Results:
- AgNPs-PVP demonstrated complete eradication of *S. pneumoniae* at 1.04μg/mL and NTHi at 2.13μg/mL.
- Enhanced efficacy against *S. pneumoniae* was attributed to synergistic interactions between H2O2 production by the bacteria and AgNPs.
- The AgNPs-PVP-P407 hydrogel exhibited rapid gelation in situ and sustained antimicrobial release, eradicating OM pathogens in vitro without cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- AgNPs-PVP hydrogel represents a potent, localized treatment for bacterial otitis media.
- This novel hydrogel-based system offers a promising alternative to conventional oral antibiotics, mitigating the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- The localized delivery approach ensures targeted antimicrobial action within the auditory bullae.
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