Microbially Synthesized Polymer-Metal Nanoparticles Composites as Promising Wound Dressings to Overcome...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance, particularly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a major global health threat.
• MRSA causes challenging skin and soft tissue infections, especially in diabetic foot ulcers.
• Existing treatments are limited, necessitating novel approaches like antimicrobial wound dressings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop bio-based silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNPs) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) polymer composites for MRSA treatment.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and biocompatibility of these novel composites.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized Poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate)-co-(3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHO) using Pseudomonas putida.
• Functionalized PHO with Bio-AgNPs (in-situ) and CuONPs (ex-situ).
• Tested MRSA inhibition, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, hemolytic potential, and platelet aggregation of the PHO-nanoparticle composites.

Main Results:

• PHO-Bio-AgNPs films achieved a significant 6.0 log CFU/mL reduction in MRSA.
• PHO-CuONPs films showed no MRSA inhibition.
• Bioactive films exhibited high cell viability (>79%) in human fibroblast cells (HFF-1) with no significant genotoxicity, but induced oxidative DNA damage.
• No hemolytic potential was observed; platelet aggregation was promoted.

Conclusions:

• Biosynthesis of PHO-Bio-AgNPs composites offers a promising strategy for developing effective bioactive wound dressings against MRSA.
• The developed materials demonstrate potential for wound healing applications, balancing antimicrobial activity with biocompatibility.