Polyaniline-Conjugated Boron Nitride Nanoparticles Exhibiting Potent Effects against Pathogenic Brain-Eating Amoebae

Abstract

Free-living amoebae include Acanthamoeba castellanii and Naegleria fowleri that are opportunistic protozoa responsible for life-threatening central nervous system infections with mortality rates over 90%. The rising number of cases and high mortality rates are indicative of the critical unmet need for the development of efficient drugs in order to avert future deaths. In this study, we assess the anti-amoebic capacity of a conducting polymer nanocomposite comprising polyaniline (PANI) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) against A. castellanii and N. fowleri. We observed significant amoebicidal and cysticidal effects using 100 μg/mL PANI/hBN (P < 0.05). Further, the nanocomposite demonstrated negligible cytotoxicity toward HaCaT and primary human corneal epithelial cells (pHCECs). In evaluating the mode of inhibition of A. castellanii due to treatment with PANI/hBN, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured and scanning microscopy visualized the formation of pores in the amoebae. Overall, this study is suggestive of the potential of the PANI/hBN nanocomposite as a promising therapy for amoeba infections.

Antiamoebic Properties of Ceftriaxone and Zinc-Oxide–Cyclodextrin-Conjugated Ceftriaxone

“…To determine statistical significance for differences between duplicates, a two-sample t-test with two-tailed distribution was carried out [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Moreover, the means of two individual experiments repeated under similar conditions were compared to determine the p values using Microsoft Excel.…”

Environmental and Health Impacts of Graphene and Other Two-Dimensional Materials: A Graphene Flagship Perspective

“…Indeed, hBN induced only a slight cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells after exposure up to a concentration of about 85 μg/mL. Unfortunately, no quantitative data about hBN size and thickness were provided . Overall, the few available in vitro studies suggest a weak cytotoxic potential of hBN.…”

“…Unfortunately, no quantitative data about hBN size and thickness were provided. 203 Overall, the few available in vitro studies suggest a weak cytotoxic potential of hBN. However, further studies are needed.…”