Green-Synthesized Multifunctional Nanoparticles with Dual Antimicrobial and Biofilm-Disrupting Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolates
Abstract
Biofilm-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are increasingly difficult to treat because the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix protects cells from antibiotics and host defenses. Here, we report green-synthesized multifunctional nanoparticles (GMNPs) prepared using an aqueous plant extract as both reducing and capping agent, yielding phytocapped nanostructures with dual antibacterial and biofilm-disrupting activity. Characterization supported nanoscale crystalline particles (TEM ≈ 18 ± 6 nm; DLS ≈ 62 nm, PDI 0.21; ζ ≈ −28 mV) and a UV–Vis surface plasmon resonance peak around 425 nm. GMNPs displayed bactericidal activity against MDR clinical isolates with MICs of 4–16 μg/mL and MBCs of 16–32 μg/mL. Importantly, GMNPs disrupted mature biofilms, reducing biomass by 65–78% and decreasing viable biofilm cells by 3.5–4.2 log units. EPS analyses indicated depletion of polysaccharides (48–62%), proteins (35–44%), and extracellular DNA (52–70%). Mechanistically, GMNPs induced oxidative stress (2.4–2.9-fold ROS increase) and compromised membranes (61–70% PI-positive cells), consistent with multi-target killing and matrix destabilization. Preliminary safety screening suggested a usable therapeutic window (≈85% mammalian cell viability at 16 μg/mL; hemolysis <5% at 32 μg/mL). Collectively, these findings support green nanomaterials as promising dual-action agents for MDR infections where both planktonic killing and biofilm eradication are required.
How to Cite
Shalini Saini, , "Green-Synthesized Multifunctional Nanoparticles with Dual Antimicrobial and Biofilm-Disrupting Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolates", Vol. 3, Issue 6, 05-09-2025, pp. 30-46.
