Onosma armenum Extract Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the Prevention of Biofilm-Associated Infections

In this study, bioactive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) loaded with Onosma armenum extract were developed to evaluate their antibiofilm activity against biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. The phytochemical content of the extract was analyzed via liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. MSNPs were synthesized using modified MCM-41 method and characterized by N₂ adsorption-desorption tests, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The antibiofilm activity was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay. The most abundant compounds were hesperidin (14201 µg/g extract), chlorogenic acid (4390 µg/g extract), and rosmarinic acid (830 µg/g extract). Biofilm inhibition rates were determined as 31.97 ± 0.68% (extract), 72.78 ± 0.79% (MSNPs), and 76.49 ± 0.39% (extract-loaded nanoparticles) at 2× MIC concentration, while biofilm eradication rates were 23.66 ± 0.44%, 36.33 ± 0.40%), and 42.27 ± 0.44%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed the morphological effects of nanoparticles on biofilm structures. The nanoparticles exhibited effective loading and controlled release of plant extract. The extract-loaded MSNPs demonstrated significant antibiofilm activity and controlled release in acidic environments, indicating potential for targeted therapeutic applications. The synergy between phytochemicals and nanocarriers supports their use as promising agents against biofilm-associated infections.