Experimental confirmation of antimicrobial effects of GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles

Nanotechnology can be applied to design antibacterial agents to combat antibiotic resistance. The aim of the present study was to assess the antimicrobial effects and cytotoxicity of GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles (NPs). Biofilm inhibition activity, antimicrobial activity, bacterial viability inhibition and DNA cleavage activity of GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ NPs were studied. In addition, the impact of GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ NPs on the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_M) of host immune cells and, hence, their apoptosis was analyzed by JC-1 staining using flow cytometry. GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ NPs demonstrated good antimicrobial, cell viability inhibition and DNA cleavage activities. In addition, GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ NPs showed good biofilm inhibition activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and inhibition percentages were 89.15% and 79.54%, respectively. However, GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ NPs promoted mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis of leukocytes at high concentrations. GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles are promising antibacterial agents. However, more efforts should be exerted to ensure their safety.