Antimicrobial peptide-modified silver nanoparticles for enhancing the antibacterial efficacy
Wenxi Li1, Yongchun Li2, Pengchao Sun3
1Zhengzhou Traditional Chinese Hospital of Orthopaedics Zhengzhou Henan 450004 PR China.
Abstract:
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming a serious threat to public health worldwide. To address this problem, we have developed multifunctional peptide (MFP)-coated silver nanoparticles (MFP@AgNPs) for antibacterial studies. MFPs, which can physically adsorb to AgNPs via electrostatic interactions are comprised of a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) cleavable sequence (PVGLIG), an antimicrobial peptide (tachyplesin-1), and a target peptide (PGP-PEG). The resulting MFP@AgNPs were characterized by various technologies, including UV-vis spectrophotometry, zeta potential analyzer, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The MIC and MBC were investigated against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria. The antibacterial activity in vivo was evaluated on MDR-AB (multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii) infected mice. We found that MFP@AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria. Compared to bare AgNPs, MFP@AgNPs-1 killed MDR-AB faster and more efficiently. SEM images showed that MFP@AgNPs-1 induced cell disruption via cell membrane damage. In vivo studies further confirmed the enhanced antibacterial activity against MDR-AB infections. The developed MFP@AgNPs-1 reduced the cytotoxicity of AgNPs and enhanced the antibacterial activity against MDR-AB in vitro and in vivo, providing a possible solution against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
Insights
Multifunctional peptide-coated silver nanoparticles (MFP@AgNPs) combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These novel nanoparticles show enhanced efficacy against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii both in vitro and in vivo, offering a promising solution to public health threats.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a significant global health risk.
- Development of novel antimicrobial strategies is crucial to combat rising resistance.
- Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess inherent antimicrobial properties but require functionalization for enhanced efficacy and targeted delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize multifunctional peptide (MFP)-coated silver nanoparticles (MFP@AgNPs) for enhanced antibacterial applications.
- To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial efficacy of MFP@AgNPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, particularly multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB).
- To assess the potential of MFP@AgNPs as a safer and more effective alternative to bare AgNPs.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of MFP@AgNPs using UV-vis spectrophotometry, zeta potential analysis, CD spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR, and TEM.
- Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) against various bacterial strains.
- In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity, including cell membrane damage assessment via SEM.
- In vivo efficacy studies using a mouse model infected with MDR-AB.
Main Results:
- MFP@AgNPs were successfully synthesized and characterized, demonstrating stability and specific peptide adsorption.
- MFP@AgNPs exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- MFP@AgNPs showed significantly enhanced killing of MDR-AB compared to bare AgNPs, with faster action and improved efficiency.
- SEM analysis indicated that MFP@AgNPs-1 induce bacterial cell disruption through membrane damage.
- In vivo studies confirmed the superior antibacterial performance of MFP@AgNPs-1 against MDR-AB infections.
- MFP@AgNPs demonstrated reduced cytotoxicity compared to bare AgNPs.
Conclusions:
- MFP@AgNPs represent a promising multifunctional nanomaterial for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- The developed MFP@AgNPs enhance antibacterial activity and reduce AgNP cytotoxicity, offering a potential therapeutic strategy against MDR-AB.
- This study provides a foundation for the clinical translation of peptide-functionalized nanoparticles in infectious disease treatment.
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