Molasses-Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Optimization, Characterization, and Antibiofilm Activity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Biofilms are bacterial communities resistant to antibiotics.
• Nanomaterials offer potential solutions for combating biofilm formation.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess potent antibacterial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using sugarcane molasses as an antibiofilm agent.
• To optimize the synthesis of Mo-capped AgNPs for enhanced physical characteristics and activity.
• To evaluate the antibiofilm efficacy of Mo-capped AgNPs against specific microbial strains.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using sugarcane molasses (Mo-capped AgNPs).
• Optimization of synthesis parameters using response surface methodology.
• Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity testing against *S. aureus* and *C. albicans*.
• Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Main Results:

• Mo-capped AgNPs demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity.
• Optimized synthesis yielded spherical nanoparticles (29-88 nm) with high Ag+ content (78.0%).
• Minimal Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) was 16 µg/mL for *S. aureus* and 32 µg/mL for *C. albicans*.
• SEM confirmed AgNPs penetrated and eradicated preformed biofilms.

Conclusions:

• Sugarcane molasses is an effective agent for capping and stabilizing silver nanoparticles.
• Mo-capped AgNPs are potent antibiofilm agents with potential applications in combating resistant microbial infections.
• The study highlights a sustainable and cost-effective approach to developing antimicrobial nanomaterials.