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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
07:01
Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
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Repurposing a Nonessential Amino Acid γ-Aminobutyric Acid To Treat Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria
Yuexiao Jia1, Zhencheng Sun2, Ke Zhang2
1School of Medical and Health Engineering, Changzhou University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213164, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 6, 2026
Summary
Researchers repurposed the amino acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) by capping gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to create Au_GABA. This novel agent effectively combats multidrug-resistant bacteria, offering a promising new therapeutic candidate.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, necessitating novel antibacterial strategies.
- Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) offer versatile platforms for developing new antibacterial agents due to their tunable surface properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To repurpose gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-essential amino acid, as an antibacterial agent by functionalizing Au NPs.
- To evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of GABA-capped Au NPs (Au_GABA) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of GABA-capped Au NPs (Au_GABA).
- Assessment of Au_GABA's antibacterial spectrum against Gram-positive and Gram-negative MDR bacterial strains, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- Investigation of Au_GABA's mechanism of action, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and effects on bacterial cell membranes.
- Evaluation of Au_GABA's therapeutic efficacy in vivo for MDR bacterial infections.
Main Results:
- Au_GABA demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against various MDR bacteria.
- The mechanism involved inducing oxidative damage to nucleic acids via ROS promotion and disrupting bacterial cell membranes.
- In vivo studies confirmed the excellent therapeutic efficacy of Au_GABA in treating MDR bacterial infections.
Conclusions:
- GABA-capped Au NPs (Au_GABA) represent a novel and effective therapeutic candidate for combating MDR bacterial infections.
- This study highlights a new application for amino acids in antimicrobial therapy and nanoparticle functionalization.
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