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Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
Published on: April 21, 2023
Near-infrared activated Fosfomycin-Silver nanoparticles against multidrug-resistant bacteria: Microbiological and
1Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
Abstract:
Globally, public health is seriously threatened by multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms. This work investigates the potential benefit of using Fosfomycin (FOS, 71 μg/mL)-loaded near-infrared (NIR, 808 nm, 1 W/cm2 for 10 min, penetration depth ≈ 8-10 mm) responsive plasmonic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, 100 μg/mL) as a new antibacterial approach against MDR Escherichia coli (E. coli) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Synthesized AgNPs were loaded with FOS and then analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and thermogravimetric analysis. Using an 808 nm NIR laser, the photothermal effect of NIR-responsive AgNPs was evaluated, and UV-Vis spectrophotometry was used to measure FOS release. We determined the antimicrobial effectiveness against MDR E. coli and MRSA using growth curves, CFU, disc diffusion, MIC, MBC, and live/dead assays. Using NIH/3T3 cells, cytotoxicity was measured. Evaluation of ROS production, oxidative stress indicators, efflux pumps, and β-lactamase gene expression was done. We discovered extremely favorable bacteria growth inhibition and photothermally stimulated antibacterial action with minimal cytotoxicity, providing a platform for improved antimicrobial therapy.
Insights
This study presents novel silver nanoparticles loaded with Fosfomycin, activated by near-infrared light, to combat drug-resistant bacteria like E. coli and MRSA. This approach shows significant antibacterial action with low toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms pose a significant global health threat.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to combat MDR bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Fosfomycin (FOS)-loaded, near-infrared (NIR) responsive plasmonic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as an innovative antibacterial approach.
- To evaluate the efficacy against MDR *Escherichia coli* (E. coli) and methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA).
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of FOS-loaded AgNPs using techniques like UV-Vis spectrophotometry, DLS, TEM, FTIR, XRD, and TGA.
- Evaluation of NIR-induced photothermal effect and FOS release kinetics.
- Assessment of antimicrobial activity via growth curves, CFU, disc diffusion, MIC, MBC, and live/dead assays.
- Cytotoxicity, ROS production, oxidative stress, efflux pump, and β-lactamase gene expression analyses.
Main Results:
- Characterization confirmed successful FOS loading onto AgNPs.
- NIR irradiation demonstrated a significant photothermal effect, enhancing antibacterial action.
- The FOS-loaded AgNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against MDR E. coli and MRSA with minimal cytotoxicity.
- Reduced ROS production, oxidative stress, and modulation of efflux pumps and β-lactamase gene expression were observed.
Conclusions:
- FOS-loaded NIR-responsive AgNPs represent a promising platform for enhanced antimicrobial therapy against MDR pathogens.
- The combination of photothermal therapy and antibiotic delivery offers a synergistic approach to combat challenging bacterial infections.
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