Search Results (16)

Antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus are being viewed as a serious threat by various public health agencies. Identifying novel targets in this important pathogen is crucial to the development of new effective antibacterial formulations. We investigated the antibacterial effect of a colloidal nanosilver formulation, Silversol^®, against an antibiotic-resistant strain of S. aureus using appropriate in vitro assays. Moreover, we deciphered the molecular mechanisms underlying this formulation’s anti-S. aureus activity using whole transcriptome analysis. Lower concentrations of the test formulation exerted a bacteriostatic effect against this pathogen, and higher concentrations exerted a bactericidal effect. Silversol^® at sub-lethal concentration was found to disturb multiple physiological traits of S. aureus such as growth, antibiotic susceptibility, membrane permeability, efflux, protein synthesis and export, biofilm and exopolysaccharide production, etc. Transcriptome data revealed that the genes coding for transcriptional regulators, efflux machinery, transferases, β-lactam resistance, oxidoreductases, metal homeostasis, virulence factors, and arginine biosynthesis are expressed differently under the influence of the test formulation. Genes (argG and argH) involved in arginine biosynthesis emerged among the major targets of Silversol^®’s antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Full article

A simple one-pot method is proposed for obtaining the colloidal nanohybrid structures of silver (gold) and zinc oxide as well as nanostructures doped with zinc ions. The copolymers of maleic acid were used for the stabilization of nanoheterostructures. To characterize the preparation, UV–Vis spectroscopy, TEM, FTIR, XPS, and XRD were used. The bactericidal properties of the nanoheterostructures were studied in relation to the fungus C. albicans and the bacteria E. coli and S. aureus, used in planktonic form. In general, the samples containing nanosilver were the most active, and the preparations containing gold nanoparticles were the least active. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the Ag/ZnO samples, based on all copolymers, were in the ranges of 1.4–1.7 μg/mL for C. albicans, 2.9–6.8 μg/mL for E. coli, and 23–27 μg/mL for S. aureus; the MIC values of Au/ZnO samples were 472 μg/mL for S. aureus and 945 μg/mL for C. albicans and E. coli. The additional introduction of zinc cations into heterodimers had practically no effect on the antimicrobial properties of the composites. For all prepared composites and all tested microorganisms, the fractional inhibitory concentration indexes were in the range of 0.5–2.2, which indicates a close-to-additive contribution of the bioactive components in the samples used in the bactericidal process. Full article

This study explored the potential synergism within chlorhexidine–silver nanoparticle conjugates against Influenza type A, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Silver nanoparticles (SN) were obtained by the reduction of silver ions with green tea total phenolic extract and conjugated with chlorhexidine (Cx). The particles were characterized by UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopies, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. A stable negatively charged nano-silver colloid (ζ = −50.01) was obtained with an average hydrodynamic diameter of 92.34 nm. In the presence of chlorhexidine, the spectral data and the shift of the zeta potential to positive values (ζ = +44.59) revealed the successful sorption of the drug onto the silver surface. The conjugates (SN-Cx) demonstrated potentiation in their effects against S. aureus and C. albicans and synergism against E. coli with minimal inhibitory concentrations of SN at 5.5 µg/mL + Cx 8.8 µg/mL. The SN showed excellent virucidal properties, increasing with time, and demonstrated low toxicity. However, the coupling of the cationic chlorhexidine with nano-silver did not reduce its intrinsic cytotoxicity on various cell lines (MDCK, BJ, and A549). The newly synthesized antimicrobial agent exhibited an extended and promising therapeutic spectrum and needs to be further evaluated regarding the designated route of administration in three-dimensional cell models (e.g., nasal, bronchial, dermal, ocular, etc.). Full article

Bone is a natural nanocomposite composed of proteins and minerals that can regenerate itself. However, there are conditions in which this process is impaired, such as extensive bone defects and infections of the bone or surrounding tissue. This study evaluates the osteoregenerative capacity of bone grafting materials in animals with induced bone defects. Colloidal chitosan dispersion nanocomposites, nanohydroxyapatite–chitosan (NHAP-Q) and nanosilver–chitosan (AgNP-Q), were synthesized and characterized. Non-critical-size defects in Wistar rats were used to evaluate the material’s biocompatibility, and critical-size defects in the calvarias of guinea pigs were used to evaluate the regenerative capacity of the bones. Moreover, the toxicity of the nanocomposites was evaluated in the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, and skin. Histological, radiographic, and electron microscopy tests were also performed. The results showed that neither material produced pathological changes. Radiographic examination showed a significant reduction in defects (75.1% for NHAP-Q and 79.3% for AgNP-Q), angiogenesis, and trabecular formation. A toxicological assessment of all the organs did not show changes in the ultrastructure of tissues, and the distribution of silver was different for different organs (spleen > skin > heart > kidney > liver). The results suggest that both materials are highly biocompatible, and AgNP-Q achieved similar bone regeneration to that reported with autologous bone. The main research outcome of the present study was the combination of two types of NPs to enhance antimicrobial and osteoregeneration activities. These colloidal chitosan dispersions show promise as future biomaterials in the medical field for applications in fast-healing fractures, including broken bones in the oral cavity and hip replacement infections. Full article

The antimicrobial effect of a cream containing extracts of African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides DC.), black elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) in colloidal nanosilver (AgNPs) at a concentration of 30 ppm, denoted as SILVER STOP^® cream (SS^® cream), was examined in vitro. The research was performed with Escherichia coli (ATCC and two clinical isolates), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC and two clinical strains), and Candida albicans (ATCC and two clinical isolates). The agar-gel diffusion method and suspension tests for determination of the time of antimicrobial action of SS^® cream were used. SS^® cream showed significant antimicrobial activity. The Gram-negative microorganisms tested died in a much shorter time than the Gram-positive ones. In suspension with a density of 10⁴ cells·mL⁻¹, E. coli died for 1 min, the oval fungus C. albicans—after 10 min and S. aureus—after 60 min of exposure to SS^® cream. The highest sensitivity was found in E. coli. The curative effect of SILVER STOP^® cream was also examined in vivo in dogs with different skin diseases. The results showed successful healing of the diseases and a very good curative effect of the cream. Full article

This paper presents research upon the impact of ecological measures on the water content of new and used oil. Water and microorganisms are major factors of contamination for engine oils and fuels, and they lead to a significant reduction in the lifetime and performance of engines. The microorganisms occur naturally in the environment, from which they enter into the oil and fuel. Despite various preventive measures, it is not possible to completely remove water from petrochemical products. That is why the protection against and prevention of the various types of contamination of petroleum products, especially microbiological contamination, is very important. Biocides are one example of the agents used for the prevention of contamination; biocides belong to a group of pesticides that are used to eliminate microbial contamination. Due to the fact that currently available methods are ineffective and often have a detrimental effect on the natural environment, research is underway to discover modern and ecological measures to combat the phenomenon of the microbiological contamination of petroleum products. This paper shows the effects of environmentally friendly additives on the water content in lubricating oil, i.e., whether these additives cause the release of water bound in the oil, and whether their composition increases the water content of the oil. Samples of new and used oil were utilized for the tests. Effective microorganisms (EM), in both liquid form and within ceramic tubes, were added to the new and used oil samples. In addition, silver solution and silver compounds were added in the same amounts as the liquid effective microorganisms. In order to confirm and compare the obtained test results, the dynamic viscosity, flash point, acid number, base number, and water content were measured, and these are presented in this study. These measurements were followed by the analysis of the influence of the additives on the water content. It was found that the adding of effective microorganisms to fresh oil in liquid form caused a significant increase in the water content of the oil; in the case of a smaller amount (2.5 mL), the water content more than doubled, and in the case of a larger amount, the water content exceeded the measuring range of the device. Next, an evaluation of the impact of these environmental measures on the water content was carried out. It was found that the adding of liquid effective microorganisms to new oil caused a significant increase in the water content of the oil; the water content more than doubled for the addition of 2.5 mL, while for a larger addition (5 mL), the water content exceeded the measuring range of the device. The same was true for the addition of silver compounds, regardless of their type and amount. The best results were obtained with ceramic effective microorganisms, but the results for silver cannot be presented due to the over-titration of the device (the amount of water exceeded the measuring range). For used oil, the liquid effective microorganism was found to give the best result. Full article

Background: The goal of endodontic treatment, along with the preparation of the root canal and giving it a shape corresponding to the obturation technique, is the drug treatment of the canal. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial effect of a colloidal solution of nanosilver at its various dilutions on root canal microorganism. Materials and methods: A solution of silver nanoparticles at a concentration of 10,000 ppm (1.0%) was diluted in various concentrations (10 solutions from 1% to 0.0025%). Cultures used for research: Str. agalacticae ATCC 3984, E. faecalis ATCC 323, St. aureus ATCC 4785, C. albicans ATCC 10231. After thawing, cultures of microorganisms were introduced into a liquid nutrient medium: cerebral heart broth for bacterial cultures and Sabouraud broth for C. albicans. The cultivation was carried out at a temperature of 37 °C for 24 h. A bacterial suspension for inoculation was prepared from a microbial sediment according to a turbidity standard of 0.5 McFarland in saline. Then, 100 μL of the obtained suspension of microorganisms was inoculated by the “lawn” method using a spatula on the Muller–Hinton medium. Solutions of silver nanoparticles were introduced into wells prepared in agar with a sterile metal punch. Further incubation was carried out for 24 h at 37 °C. Results: colloidal solution of silver nanoparticles at concentrations of 1%, 0.75%, 0.5% inhibited the growth of Str. agalacticae ATCC 3984 with a growth retardation zone of 6–7 mm. The E. faecalis ATCC 29212 strain was sensitive to solutions of silver nanoparticles at concentrations of 1%, 0.75%, 0.5% with a growth inhibition zone of 6–7 mm. Strain St. aureus 4785 demonstrated sensitivity to solutions of silver nanoparticles at concentrations of 1%, 0.75%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05% with a growth retardation zone of 6-8 mm. Conclusion: colloidal solutions of silver nanoparticles have antimicrobial action against gram-positive bacteria (Str.agalacticae ATCC 3984, St. aureus ATCC 4785, E. faecalis ATCC 29212) and yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida (C. albicans ATCC 10231, C. albicans 672 and C. albicans D-225M), but this action is strain-specific and depends on the concentration of the solution. Full article

Leishmaniasis is one of the biggest health problems in the world. Traditional therapeutic methods still depend on a small range of products, mostly chemically. However, the treatment with these drugs is expensive and can cause serious adverse effects, and they have inconsistent effectiveness due to the resistance of parasites to these drugs. The treatment of leishmanial disease has always been a challenge for researchers. The development of nanoscale metals such as silver has attracted significant attention in the field of medicine. The unique characteristic features of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) make them effective antileishmanial agents. In recent years, green nanotechnology has provided the development of green nanoparticle-based treatment methods for Leishmaniasis. Although there are many studies based on green nanoparticles against Leishmania parasites, this is the first study on the antileishmanial effect of biosynthesized AgNPs using an aqueous extract of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves (AEECL) as a reducing agent of silver ions. Different parameters such as AgNO₃ concentration, AEECL concentration, and reaction time were studied to investigate the optimum factors for the preparation of stable and small-sized silver nanoparticles. The spherical shape of colloidal nanosilver (CN-Ag) was confirmed by atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images with sizes of 27 and 12 nm, respectively. A high density of nanoparticles with a small size of 10 nm has been confirmed from dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. The zeta potential value of 23 mV indicated that colloidal silver nanoparticles were stable. The nano-tracker analysis (NTA) showed the Brownian motion of silver nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic diameter of 31 nm. The antioxidant property of CN-Ag was determined using the stable radical 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In this study, a significant cytotoxic effect of biosynthesized CN-Ag has been shown against Leishmania tropica parasites at low concentrations (1.25, 2.5, and 3.75 µg/mL). These results could be used as a future alternative drug or could be a supportive treatment for Leishmaniasis. Full article

This study implemented a discharge energy and success-rate monitoring system to replace the traditional oscillograph observation method and conducted a microbial control test for a nanosilver colloid prepared by an Electrical Discharge Machine (EDM). The advantage of this system is that the discharge conditions can be instantly and continuously observed, and the optimized discharge parameter settings can be recorded. The monitoring system can use the arcing rate to control the energy consumption of the electrodes to standardize the nanosilver colloid. The results show that the arcing rate, electrode weight loss, and absorption peak wavelength are very accurate. The nanosilver colloid prepared by EDM is free of any chemical additive, and in comparison to other preparation methods, it is more applicable to biotechnology, even to the human body. The microbial control test for the nanosilver colloid included a Bathroom sample, Penicillium, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. In test solution NO.1 (prepared by micro-EDM), the effects of all four samples were inhibited at 14mm in a metal ring experiment, and in the cotton pad experiment, Penicillium was inhibited at 17 mm. In the metal ring experiment, test solution NO. 2 (prepared by EDM) had an effect at 20 mm on the bathroom samples, but at only 15 mm on flavus. In the cotton pad experiment, the inhibited effect was more effective in Penicillium and Aspergillus Niger; both inhibited effects occurred at 25 mm. Test solutions NO.3 (prepared by micro-EDM) and NO.4 (32 ppm Ag+) had a 14–15 mm effect on all samples in the metal ring experiment. In the cotton pad experiment, NO.3 had an effect on Penicillium at 19 mm while the effect on the others occurred at 14 mm, and NO.4 had an effect at 25 mm in Penicillium and Aspergillus Niger, and only at 14 mm in the bathroom and Aspergillus flavus samples. Full article

The problem of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces has become extremely important in the context of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic. However, it should be considered that, in everyday life, we come into contact with many other viruses, as well as pathogenic bacteria and fungi, that may cause infections and diseases. Hence, there is a continuous need to search for new and more effective methods of fighting pathogens. Due to their documented antimicrobial activity, silver nanoparticles may be an interesting alternative to the commonly used surface cleaners and disinfectants. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the bactericidal properties of silver nanoparticles obtained with the use of nontoxic plant waste biomass against bacteria isolated from the environment. Silver nanoparticles with the desired physicochemical characteristics were obtained by a simple and rapid chemical reduction method using plant waste such as unused parsley stems and potato peels (the biogenic method). A nanosilver colloid was also prepared by the chemical reduction method, but with reducing and stabilizing chemical substances (the chemical method) used as a control. The bacterial susceptibility to nanosilver synthesized using both methods was evaluated using the disk-diffusion method. The sensitivity of particular Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus isolates to nanosilver varied considerably, and the strongest antimicrobial effect was found in the case of nanoparticles synthesized by the chemical method using a strong chemical reducing agent and a polymeric stabilizing substance, while nanosilver obtained using the biogenic method, using phytochemicals, also had a strong antimicrobial effect, which was found to be extremely satisfactory. Thus, it can be strongly concluded that the biogenic, pro-ecological method of synthesis with the use of plant waste biomass presented in this work allows the application of biogenic nanosilver as a component of agents for washing and disinfection of public utility surfaces. Full article

Background: Endodontic treatment of various forms of pulpitis with variations of root canal system anatomy should be performed with high quality. The use of various antibacterial agents is aimed at maintaining the success of endodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the penetration and fixation of the nano-silver solution on the dentinal surface during endodontic treatment. Materials and methods: the study was carried out on 70 extracted single-rooted teeth, randomly divided into two groups. In the teeth of the first group, the smear layer was removed after canal preparation with 17% EDTA solution; in the second group, the smear layer was not removed. In both groups, for the final treatment of the canal, a colloidal 1% solution of нанo серебра nanosilver was used. Samples were cut and prepared for analysis using micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray microanalysis and energy dispersive spectrometry (elemental mapping). Results: in 100% of cases in groups of teeth with a preserved smear layer, the ability of a 1% colloidal solution of nanosilver with particles of 1–2 nm to be fixed on dentin with a removed and preserved smear layer and to leave a film on the dentinal surface was established. In the samples with removed smear layer, silver was found in 73.5% of cases. Conclusion: The nano-silver solution with a particle size of 1–2 nm proved its ability to penetrate the dentinal surfaces and create a final film covering the dentinal surface of the root canal before applying the sealer. Full article

Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized from Conyzacanadensis leaf extract with the help of a microwave oven. The UV-vis spectrum showed the maximum absorption at 441 nm, corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscope and scanning electron microscope images showed that the synthesized silver nanoparticles were spherical or near-spherical with an average diameter of 43.9 nm. X-ray diffraction demonstrated nanoparticles with a single-phase cubic structure. As-synthesized silver nanoparticles displayed prominent antifungal activity against Bipolaris maydis. The colony inhibition rate reached 88.6% when the concentration of nanosilver colloid was 100 μL·mL⁻¹ (v/v). At such a concentration, no colony formation was observed on the solid plate. The diameter of the inhibition zone was 13.20 ± 1.12 mm. These results lay the foundation for the comprehensive control of plant pathogens using an environmentally friendly approach. Full article

This is a study of an antimicrobial test, including yeast, Aspergillus Niger, and Aspergillus Flavus, on a nanosilver colloid solution. The antibiosis is compared with a standard silver ion solution at the same concentration as in the experimental process. This study proved that the nanosilver colloid prepared by the electrical spark discharge method (ESDM) is free of any chemical additives, has a microbial control effect, and that the effect is much better than the Ag⁺ standard solution at the same concentration. 3M Count Plate (YM) is used to test and observe the colony counts. The microbial control test for yeast, Aspergillus Niger, and Aspergillus Flavus is implemented in the nanosilver colloid. In addition to Aspergillus flavus, an Ag⁺ concentration of 16 ppm is enough to inhibit the growth of the samples. At the same concentration, the nanosilver colloid has a much better microbial control effect than the Ag⁺ standard solution, which may be because the nanoparticle can release Ag⁺ continuously, so the solution using the ESDM has a more significant microbial control effect. Full article

Detection of mercury (Hg²⁺) and sulfide (S²⁻), universal and well-known toxic ions, is crucial in monitoring several diseases. How to design and fabricate the high-performance sensor for simultaneously and accurately detecting the Hg²⁺ and S²⁻ is critical. Herein, we proposed a novel and convenient strategy for optical detection of Hg²⁺ and S²⁻ by employing a carboxymethyl cellulose sodium/silver nanoparticle (CMS/AgNPs) colloidal solution, in which AgNPs were used as monitor for Hg²⁺ and S²⁻, and the CMS was utilized as both the stabilizer and the hydrophilic substrate for AgNPs. Well-identifiable peaks for Hg²⁺ and S^2– were obtained in water based on UV–VIS absorption spectra, the absorbance intensity and/or position of nano-silver vary with the addition of Hg²⁺ cation and S^2– anion, accompanying with color change. Impressively, the optimal AgNPs anchored CMS exhibited a high sensitivity and selectivity toward Hg²⁺ and S²⁻, the change in absorbance was linear with the concentration of Hg²⁺ (0–50 μM) and S²⁻ (15–70 μM), and the lowest limits of detection (LOD) were 1.8 × 10⁻⁸ M and 2.4 × 10⁻⁷ M, respectively. More importantly, owing to the superior properties in testing Hg²⁺ and S²⁻, the fabricated sensor was successfully applied for detection of target ions in lake and tap water samples. All these good results implied that the designed strategy and as-designed samples is promising in detecting cation (Hg²⁺) and anion (S²⁻) ions and open up new opportunities for selecting other kinds of ions. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of virgin oil pressed from spring rape seeds cultivated with the use of colloidal nanosilver and nanocopper solutions for processing seeds and as foliar fertilizer. The results show that the use of nanometals for seed processing and foliar fertilization increased the content of carotenoid pigments in the oil. The pigment concentration was higher compared to oil pressed from control seeds. The application of nanocolloids onto the seeds and subsequently on the growing plants contributed to the increase of the oxidative stability of oils. Both the acid number (AN) and peroxide number (PN) values were higher in the studied oils as compared to the control, but did not exceed the required allowable levels. Increased content of silver ions and slightly increased copper content was observed in the pressed oil. An infrared spectral analysis (Fourier-Transformed Infra-Red) conducted in combination with chemometrics allowed the classification of the studied oils in terms of their chemical composition. The analysis revealed the presence of bands characteristic of Cu-O-H vibrations after soaking the seeds and spraying the plants with copper nanocolloid, and of C-O-Ag after fertilization with silver nanocolloid. Full article