Nano-antibiotic based on silver nanoparticles functionalized to the vancomycin-cysteamine complex for treating...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Bacterial resistance in Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis) necessitates novel antimicrobial agents.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) show promise as antibacterial agents.
• There is a growing demand for new medicines to overcome antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel nano-antibiotic for treating Gram-positive bacterial strains.
• To develop a nano-antibiotic using AgNPs functionalized with a vancomycin-cysteamine complex.
• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the developed nano-antibiotic.

Main Methods:

• AgNPs were synthesized using a bottom-up approach.
• AgNPs were functionalized with vancomycin via carbodiimide chemistry, creating Ag@vancomycin.
• Bacterial susceptibility tests (MIC, MBC) were performed on S. aureus and E. faecalis strains.

Main Results:

• Spectroscopic analysis confirmed successful vancomycin modification and AgNP functionalization.
• Dynamic light scattering indicated an increased hydrodynamic diameter, confirming vancomycin presence on AgNPs.
• The nano-antibiotic demonstrated excellent performance in inhibiting and killing planktonic S. aureus and E. faecalis strains.

Conclusions:

• The developed nano-antibiotic shows significant potential for treating Gram-positive bacterial infections.
• Functionalization of AgNPs with vancomycin enhances their bacteriostatic and bactericidal efficacy.
• This approach offers a promising strategy to combat antibiotic resistance in Gram-positive bacteria.