STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

A facile method is used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles capped by antibacterial agents viz. Polymyxin B, an antibiotic and Pediocin, a bacteriocin. Silver is known to act against a broad range of bacteria. Polymyxin B is active against Gram negative microorganisms. Capping of the silver nanoparticles with polymyxin B did not result in loss of its conformation. Furthermore, when silver nanoparticles are capped with Polymyxin, the antimicrobial effect is highly enhanced. There was no loss of activity when the same was used for coating on surgical blades, thereby, underlining its applicability for large scale use as coating for biomedical devices. The case of Pediocin capped silver nanoparticles is investigated since it holds great potential for used as a biopreservative. Pediocin targets Gram positive bacteria. The studies done confirmed that pediocin conformation was not altered upon capping. Its antibacterial effect on cellular morphology is also investigated. Both these strategies work on the same principle of employing a double-edged sword that has enhanced antimicrobial activity so as to be able to combat the emerging antibiotic-resistant strains that are becoming a serious health issue worldwide.