Antimicrobial and Antifungal Action of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles in Combination with Antibiotics and Fungicides Against Opportunistic Bacteria and Yeast

Abstract

The development of multidrug resistance by pathogenic bacteria and yeast is a significant medical problem that needs to be addressed. One possible answer could be the combined use of antibiotics and silver nanoparticles, which have different mechanisms of antimicrobial action. In the same way, these nanoparticles can be combined with antifungal agents. Biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesized using environmentally friendly biosynthesis technology using extracts of biologically active plants are an effective nanomaterial that needs to be comprehensively investigated for implementation into medical practice. In this study, the synergistic effects arising from their combined use with antibiotics and fungicides against various bacteria and yeasts were studied. The following methods were used: disco-diffusion analysis and construction of plankton culture growth curves. The synergistic effect of silver nanoparticles and antibiotics (fungicides) has been determined. Effective concentrations of substances were established, recommendations for the studied pathogenic species were presented, and the effect of destruction of the bacterial membrane was illustrated. The most significant synergistic effect was manifested in pathogenic candida and brewer’s yeast.