Autologous serum protein stabilized silver quantum clusters as host-specific antibacterial agents

Aim: To synthesize host-specific serum protein stabilized silver quantum clusters and assess their preclinical safety as potential antibacterial agents.Materials & methods: Ag-QC-NanoSera (Ag-QCNS) were synthesized using bovine, human and murine sera. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated against E. coli (including antibiotic-resistant strain), S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Biocompatibility, hemocompatibility and antibacterial mechanism were also investigated. Preclinical safety and biodistribution of autologous Ag-QCNS were assessed in BALB/c mice over 28 days.Results: Ag-QCNS showed high biocompatibility, hemocompatibility and high antibacterial activity at ∼12.72 μg/ml Ag equivalent. Intracellular ROS and bacterial membrane damage were confirmed as antibacterial mechanism. Ag-QCNS were established as preclinically safe.Conclusion: Ag-QCNS demonstrate potential as next-generation host-specific nanotheranostic antibacterial agents, enhancing the safety and efficacy while combating antibiotic resistance.