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Updated: Aug 28, 2025
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
Published on: April 21, 2023
Nickel Nanoparticles: Applications and Antimicrobial Role against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Elham Zarenezhad1, Hussein T Abdulabbas2, Mahrokh Marzi1
1Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 7461686688, Iran.
Abstract:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has evolved vast antibiotic resistance. These strains contain numerous virulence factors facilitating the development of severe infections. Considering the costs, side effects, and time duration needed for the synthesis of novel drugs, seeking efficient alternative approaches for the eradication of drug-resistant bacterial agents seems to be an unmet requirement. Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) have been applied as prognostic and therapeutic cheap agents to various aspects of biomedical sciences. Their antibacterial effects are exerted via the disruption of the cell membrane, the deformation of proteins, and the inhibition of DNA replication. NiNPs proper traits include high-level chemical stability and binding affinity, ferromagnetic properties, ecofriendliness, and cost-effectiveness. They have outlined pleomorphic and cubic structures. The combined application of NiNPs with CuO, ZnO, and CdO has enhanced their anti-MRSA effects. The NiNPs at an approximate size of around 50 nm have exerted efficient anti-MRSA effects, particularly at higher concentrations. NiNPs have conferred higher antibacterial effects against MRSA than other nosocomial bacterial pathogens. The application of green synthesis and low-cost materials such as albumin and chitosan enhance the efficacy of NPs for therapeutic purposes.
Insights
Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) show potent antibacterial effects against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Green synthesis methods enhance NiNP efficacy for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Nanotechnology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a significant challenge due to widespread antibiotic resistance and potent virulence factors.
- Developing novel antimicrobial drugs is costly, time-consuming, and often associated with side effects, necessitating alternative therapeutic strategies.
- Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) offer a promising, cost-effective alternative for biomedical applications, including combating bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibacterial efficacy of nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- To explore the potential of NiNPs as an alternative therapeutic agent for drug-resistant bacterial infections.
- To evaluate the influence of synthesis methods and co-application with other metal oxides on NiNP anti-MRSA activity.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs), focusing on size (approx. 50 nm) and structure.
- Evaluation of NiNP antibacterial activity against MRSA, assessing mechanisms like cell membrane disruption and DNA replication inhibition.
- Assessment of combined effects of NiNPs with CuO, ZnO, and CdO, and the impact of green synthesis using albumin and chitosan.
Main Results:
- NiNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial effects against MRSA, superior to other nosocomial pathogens.
- Antibacterial efficacy of NiNPs was concentration-dependent, with optimal effects observed at higher concentrations.
- Combined application of NiNPs with CuO, ZnO, and CdO, as well as green synthesis approaches, enhanced anti-MRSA activity.
Conclusions:
- Nickel nanoparticles are effective agents against MRSA, offering a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics.
- Green synthesis and combination therapies can further enhance the therapeutic potential of NiNPs for treating MRSA infections.
- NiNPs present a cost-effective, stable, and ecofriendly option for developing new strategies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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