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Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles 2.0

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 July 2024) | Viewed by 2137

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 București, Romania
Interests: microbiology; immunology; new antimicrobial agents; host–pathogen signaling; infection control; antimicrobial nanomaterials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Materials engineering is a very dynamic field with wide applications in medicine. Studies developed in recent years report new and emerging nanoparticle-based materials, useful in the field of antimicrobial therapy. These nanostructured materials are currently being investigated for the diagnosis, treatment, and even prophylaxis of infectious diseases. Moreover, other industries, such as food, drug development, and textiles, have benefited greatly from the development of antimicrobial materials. However, little is known regarding their intimate mode of action, their effect on drug-resistant bacteria, and the risks associated with their use as antibacterial agents. Even though numerous studies are recommending antibacterial nanomaterials as safe, when utilized in certain amounts, there are concerns regarding their impact in beneficial microorganisms, such as animals, humans, and soil microbiota.

Following the success of volume 1 of the Special Issue “Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles”, we will be exploring this Special Issue in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067, IF 5.600, JCR Category Q1). This second Special Issue aims to collate recent studies and perspectives on antimicrobial materials and nanoparticles. Original research papers, reviews, mini reviews, and perspective works with new findings or viewpoints in the application of nanomaterials in microbiology are sought.

Dr. Alina Maria Holban
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • virulence modulators
  • signalling molecules
  • biofilms
  • microbial resistance
  • antimicrobial nanoparticles
  • nanobiomolecules
  • nanocoatings

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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25 pages, 7367 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Activity of Arthrospira platensis-Mediated Gold Nanoparticles against Streptococcus pneumoniae: A Metabolomic and Docking Study
by Lamya Azmy, Ebtesam Al-Olayan, Mohamed A. A. Abdelhamid, Ahmed Zayed, Saly F. Gheda, Khayrya A. Youssif, Hesham A. Abou-Zied, Usama R. Abdelmohsen, Ibraheem B. M. Ibraheem, Seung Pil Pack and Khaled N. M. Elsayed
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 10090; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251810090 - 19 Sep 2024
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Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae necessitates the discovery of novel therapeutic agents. This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) fabricated using Arthrospira platensis extract. Characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups such as [...] Read more.
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae necessitates the discovery of novel therapeutic agents. This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) fabricated using Arthrospira platensis extract. Characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the presence of functional groups such as ketones, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids in the capping agents, suggesting their role in AuNP stabilization. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the formation of rod-shaped AuNPs with a mean diameter of 134.8 nm, as determined by dynamic light scattering, and a zeta potential of −27.2 mV, indicating good colloidal stability. The synthesized AuNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against S. pneumoniae, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12 μg/mL, surpassing the efficacy of the control antibiotic, tigecycline. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, an untargeted metabolomic analysis of the A. platensis extract was performed, identifying 26 potential bioactive compounds belonging to diverse chemical classes. In silico studies focused on molecular docking simulations revealed that compound 22 exhibited a strong binding affinity to S. pneumoniae topoisomerase IV, a critical enzyme for bacterial DNA replication. Molecular dynamics simulations further validated the stability of this protein–ligand complex. These findings collectively highlight the promising antimicrobial potential of A. platensis-derived AuNPs and their constituent compounds, warranting further investigation for the development of novel anti-pneumococcal therapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles 2.0)
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13 pages, 4169 KiB  
Article
Preliminary In Vitro Evaluation of Silver, Copper and Gold Nanoparticles as New Antimicrobials for Pathogens That Induce Bovine Locomotion Disorders
by Aleksandra Kalińska, Cezary Wawryło, Wiktoria Tlatlik, Marcin Gołębiewski, Magdalena Kot, Agata Lange and Sławomir Jaworski
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9494; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179494 - 31 Aug 2024
Viewed by 525
Abstract
Lameness is a crucial problem in dairy farming. It worsens the welfare of cattle, reduces the milk yield, and causes economic losses. The etiology of lameness is varied and the cattle’s condition may be infectious or non-infectious. The aim of this research was [...] Read more.
Lameness is a crucial problem in dairy farming. It worsens the welfare of cattle, reduces the milk yield, and causes economic losses. The etiology of lameness is varied and the cattle’s condition may be infectious or non-infectious. The aim of this research was to analyze the biocidal properties of silver (AgNPs), gold (AuNPs), and copper (CuNPs) nanoparticles against bacteria causing lameness in cattle. The isolated pathogens used were Aerococcus viridans, Corynebacterium freneyi, Corynebacterium xerosis, and Trueperella pyogenes. The tested concentrations of nanoparticles were 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.125, and 1.56 mg/L. The methods used included the isolation of pathogens using standard microbiological procedures and their identification using mass spectrometry, physicochemical analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and cytotoxicity tests. Studies have shown that AgNPs at 3.125 and 1.56 mg/L concentrations, and CuNPs at 25 and 12.5 mg/L concentrations, have strong biocidal properties, while AuNPs have the weakest antimicrobial properties. The very limited number of in vivo studies focusing on lameness prevention in cattle indicate that new solutions need to be developed. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate if nanoparticles (NPs) may, in the future, become components of innovative biocides used to prevent lameness in dairy cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles 2.0)
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Review

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20 pages, 4552 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Development of Metal/Metal Oxide Nanoparticle and Antibiotic Conjugates (MNP–Antibiotics) to Address Antibiotic Resistance: Review and Perspective
by Abdullah, Tayyaba Jamil, Muhammad Atif, Shumaila Khalid, Kamel Metwally, Galal Yahya, Mihaela Moisa and Daniela Simona Cavalu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 8915; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168915 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 848
Abstract
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon whereby microbes develop or acquire genes that render them resistant. The rapid emergence and spread of this phenomenon can be attributed to human activity specifically, the improper and excessive [...] Read more.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon whereby microbes develop or acquire genes that render them resistant. The rapid emergence and spread of this phenomenon can be attributed to human activity specifically, the improper and excessive use of antimicrobials for the treatment, prevention, or control of infections in humans, animals, and plants. As a result of this factor, many antibiotics have reduced effectiveness against microbes or may not work fully. Thus, there is a pressing need for the development of new antimicrobial agents in order to counteract antimicrobial resistance. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) are well known for their broad antimicrobial properties. Consequently, the use of MNPs with current antibiotics holds significant implications. MNPs, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPS), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), have been extensively studied in conjunction with antibiotics. However, their mechanism of action is still not completely understood. The interaction between these MNPs and antibiotics can be either synergistic, additive, or antagonistic. The synergistic effect is crucial as it represents the desired outcome that researchers aim for and can be advantageous for the advancement of new antimicrobial agents. This article provides a concise and academic description of the recent advancements in MNP and antibiotic conjugates, including their mechanism of action. It also highlights their possible use in the biomedical field and major challenges associated with the use of MNP–antibiotic conjugates in clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Materials and Nanoparticles 2.0)
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