Evaluation of E. coli inhibition by plain and polymer-coated silver nanoparticles

Abstract

Escherichia coli causes various ailments such as septicemia, enteritis, foodborne illnesses, and urinary tract infections which are of concern in the public health field due to antibiotic resistance. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are known for their biocompatibility and antibacterial activity, and may prove to be an alternative method of treatment, especially as wound dressings. In this study, we compared the antibacterial efficacy of two polymer-coated silver nanoparticles either containing 10% Ag (Ag 10% + Polymer), or 99% Ag (AgPVP) in relation to plain uncoated silver nanoparticles (AgNP). Atomic force microscopy was used to characterize the nanoparticles, and their antibacterial efficacy was compared by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bacterial growth curve assays, followed by molecular studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and (qRT- PCR). AgNP inhibited the growth of E. coli only at 0.621 mg/mL, which was double the concentration required for both coated nanoparticles (0.312 mg/mL). Similarly, bacterial growth was impeded as early as 8 h at 0.156 mg/mL of both coated nanoparticles as compared to 0.312 mg/mL for plain AgNP. SEM data showed that nanoparticles damaged the cell membrane, resulting in bacterial cell lysis, expulsion of cellular contents, and complete disintegration of some cells. The expression of genes associated with the TCA cycle (aceF and frdB) and amino acid metabolism (gadB, metL, argC) were substantially downregulated in E. coli treated with nanoparticles. The reduction in the silver ion (Ag+) concentration of polymer-coated AgNP did not affect their antibacterial efficacy against E. coli.

Silver Nanoparticles-Composing Alginate/Gelatine Hydrogel Improves Wound Healing In Vivo

“…Mekkawy et al [49] developed AgNPs stabilized with polymer, for which the MIC values were in the range of 0.93-7.5 and 3.75-15 µg/mL, respectively, Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). Similar studies were also done by Ashmore et al [50] showing that AgNP inhibited the growth of E. coli only at 0.621 mg/mL; and by Rath et al [51] who obtained MIC of AgNPs against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa 5.8 ± 0.3 mg/ml and 7.4 ± 0.2 mg/mL, respectively.…”

<p>Cyanobacteria – A Promising Platform in Green Nanotechnology: A Review on Nanoparticles Fabrication and Their Prospective Applications</p>

“…Shivaji et al suggested that biomolecules such as NADH-reductases and sulfur-containing proteins in the cell-free supernatant are involved in biofabrication of metallic NPs. 74…”

Lethal Mechanisms of Nostoc-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Against Different Pathogenic Bacteria

“… 66 The significant increase in mfD expression indicates that N-SNPs lead to DNA structural disruption by direct interaction with DNA molecules or/and indirectly by enhancing oxidative stress. 74 , 75 Similarly, downregulation of both flu and hly suggests that N-SNPs have the potential to inhibit biofilm formation and bacterial invasion via direct or/and indirect interference with bacterial genes. 54 , 74 , 76 …”