Efficient green silver nanoparticles-antibiotic combinations against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a significant public health threat.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess inherent antibacterial properties.
• Novel strategies are needed to combat rising infections caused by resistant pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize AgNPs in the presence of specific antibiotics (Ceftazidime, Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, Cefepime) and Mentha longifolia extract.
• To characterize the structural, surface, and antibacterial properties of the synthesized AgNPs.
• To evaluate the enhanced antibacterial activity of antibiotic-AgNP conjugates against pathogenic bacteria.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of AgNPs using Mentha longifolia extract as a reducing agent and stabilizer, with and without antibiotics.
• Characterization techniques including UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Evaluation of surface charge (Zeta potential) and particle size distribution (PDI).

Main Results:

• Blue-shift observed in SPR peaks for antibiotic-AgNPs compared to control AgNPs.
• FTIR confirmed the presence of antibiotic-specific peaks in antibiotic-AgNPs.
• XRD and TEM revealed changes in crystallinity, size, and distribution of antibiotic-AgNPs.
• Antibiotic-AgNP conjugates exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria.

Conclusions:

• The presence of antibiotics during AgNP synthesis alters their structural properties and surface characteristics.
• Antibiotic-AgNP conjugates demonstrate superior antibacterial efficacy compared to AgNPs synthesized without antibiotics.
• This approach offers a promising strategy for developing advanced antimicrobial agents to combat antibiotic resistance.