Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
Studying Copper Nanoparticle-Induced Programmed Cell Death in Bacteria
Published on: May 16, 2025
Bacteriologically Derived Copper Nanoparticles as Novel Arsenal Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens
Monika Kataria1, Sant Lal1, Neeraj Dilbaghi1
1Bio and Nano Technology Department, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001 India.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a global health menace which has caused millions of deaths and still continues to grow. The announcement of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, 18-24 November 2022 by WHO further highlights the terrifying situation. Injudicious use of antibiotics is the major cause of emerging AMR. Therefore, new age antimicrobials are required for treating multi drug resistant (MDR) infections. In this quest, we synthesized novel green copper nanoparticles (BS-CuNPs) using cell free extracts of Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 441) and tested their bactericidal potential against various MDR pathogenic bacteria viz Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, E. coli Anp2A, E. coli Bi2A, Pseudomonas aeruginosa VTCCBAA2, Enterobacter cloacae Bu59. Antioxidant properties were also investigated using the DPPH and H2O2 radical scavenging techniques in terms of IC50 (concentrations required for 50% inhibition) and IC90 (concentrations required for 90% inhibition) values. The TEM micrographs of bacteriologically synthesized BS-CuNPs displayed size of 11.47 ± 2.6 nm with spherical configuration. BS-CuNPs also showed excellent colloidal and thermal stability in terms of zeta potential (- 26.9 meV) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The MICs and MBCs of the BS-CuNPs against test MDR bacteria were ≤ 0.625 mg/ml which was significantly lesser (p < 0.05) than the same exhibited by CuNPs. The strongest effects were seen on Enterobacter cloacae Bu59 with MIC values of 0.156 mg/ml. The IC50 and IC90 of BS-CuNPs in DPPH assay exhibited significantly lower values, i.e. 42.97 and 128.31 µg/ml, respectively as compared to the chemically synthesized CuNPs, indicating potent antioxidant activity. These results from the performed studies clearly demonstrate the potential use of biogenic BS-CuNPs as novel antimicrobial in the field of biomedicine.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-024-01281-y.
Insights
Researchers developed novel green copper nanoparticles (BS-CuNPs) using Bacillus subtilis extracts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These nanoparticles show potent bactericidal and antioxidant properties against multi-drug resistant bacteria, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health crisis driven by the injudicious use of antibiotics.
- There is an urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents to treat multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections.
- Green synthesis of nanoparticles offers a sustainable approach to developing new therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel green copper nanoparticles (BS-CuNPs) using cell-free extracts of Bacillus subtilis.
- To evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of BS-CuNPs against various MDR pathogenic bacteria.
- To investigate the antioxidant properties of BS-CuNPs.
Main Methods:
- Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (BS-CuNPs) using Bacillus subtilis (MTCC 441) cell-free extracts.
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for nanoparticle characterization (size, morphology).
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays against MDR bacteria.
- DPPH and H2O2 radical scavenging assays to determine antioxidant activity (IC50, IC90 values).
Main Results:
- BS-CuNPs were synthesized with a spherical configuration, measuring 11.47 ± 2.6 nm.
- Excellent colloidal and thermal stability of BS-CuNPs was confirmed by zeta potential and TGA.
- BS-CuNPs exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against MDR bacteria (MICs ≤ 0.625 mg/ml), with significant efficacy against Enterobacter cloacae Bu59 (MIC 0.156 mg/ml).
- BS-CuNPs demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with lower IC50 and IC90 values in DPPH assays compared to chemically synthesized CuNPs.
Conclusions:
- Biogenic BS-CuNPs represent a novel and effective antimicrobial agent.
- The study highlights the potential of green synthesized nanoparticles in combating AMR.
- BS-CuNPs show promise for applications in biomedicine due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:23Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
01:27Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
Such synergistic combinations...
00:57Antibiotic Selection