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Nanotechnology

Silver Nanoparticles Show Promise in Treating Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

New research conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Gour Banga in West Bengal, India, has demonstrated the effectiveness of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in combating multidrug-resistant bacteria. The study, published in Microbial Pathogenesis, reveals that AgNPs exhibit potent antibacterial properties against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The findings suggest that AgNPs could be a viable treatment option for a wide range of pathogenic bacteria.

Key Takeaways:

  • The average particle size of AgNPs was approximately 41 nm, with a surface charge of approximately -26mV.
  • AgNPs exhibited stability for six months, as validated by UV-Vis spectroscopy.
  • The MIC of AgNPs was 20 mg/mL for Escherichia coli and 30 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus.
  • AgNPs showed more potent antibacterial efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria.
  • The nanoparticles caused 90% reduction in biofilm formation against both strains.
  • AgNPs were found to be biocompatible, with minimal toxicity observed towards red blood cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells at concentrations up to 50 mg/mL.
  • The research suggests that AgNPs may be a promising nanotherapeutic agent for the treatment of MDR bacteria.
  • The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Gour Banga, led by Rubai Ahmed and including Sovan Samanta, Swarnali Das, Jhimli Banerjee, Atul Bandyopadhyay, Krishnendu Maji, Totan Ghosh, and Sandeep Kumar Dash.

Statistics:

  • Average particle size of AgNPs: approximately 41 nm
  • Surface charge of AgNPs: approximately -26mV
  • MIC of AgNPs for Escherichia coli: 20 mg/mL
  • MIC of AgNPs for Staphylococcus aureus: 30 mg/mL
  • Antibacterial efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria: >90%
  • Antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria: >80%
  • Concentration range for biocompatibility: up to 50 mg/mL
  • Duration of AgNP stability: six months, as validated by UV-Vis spectroscopy

Sources:

  • Unveiling the antibacterial potency of phyto-stabilized silver nanoparticles against MDR uropathogens and exploration of its biocompatibility towards healthy blood cells. Microbial Pathogenesis, 2025;206:107822.
  • Academic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd, 24-28 Oval Rd, London NW1 7DX, England.
  • University of Gour Banga, Dept. of Physiology, Malda, 732103, West Bengal, India.

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