In an attempt to overcome the growing challenges in the world of microbial eradication, nanotechnologies represent one of the innovative solutions to combat microbial infections. Recent research has shown that silver nanoparticles possess significant antimicrobial capabilities. With advancements in manufacturing techniques for these particles, new methods for their synthesis have been developed, including the use of reducing silver ion process with culture broth of Staphylococcus aureus. Subsequently, these new particles were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, and the following became evident:
- The results of recent studies have shown that the shape and size of silver nanoparticles have a significant impact on their antimicrobial activity.
- Triangular-shaped silver nanoplates were found to be more effective against Escherichia coli compared to spherical and rod-shaped silver nanoparticles. Thus, we can infer that the shape of silver nanoparticles can influence their antimicrobial effectiveness.
- In another study, the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles of different sizes within a hybrid gel was compared. The results indicated that smaller particles (with a length of 2.67 nanometers), protected by polymer hydrogel chains, exhibited much better antibacterial activity compared to larger particles.
The role of silver nanoparticles in enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics
Continuous discoveries in the field of microbial eradication promise a promising future for the development of effective and innovative treatments to combat microbial diseases and improve the quality of healthcare in general. In addition to the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles, it is possible that they also act as carriers for antibiotics. This leads us to a deeper understanding of the potential interaction between silver nanoparticles and antibiotics such as amoxicillin on bacteria. Despite the differences in the mechanisms of action between silver nanoparticles and amoxicillin, they collaborate in destroying bacteria and limiting their growth through different pathways.
A recent study was conducted to examine the interaction between clindamycin (an antibiotic belonging to the macrolide family) and chemically or biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles were prepared chemically or biologically, where the silver nanoparticles were chemically bound to clindamycin molecules and purified before being used as an antibacterial compound. The following became evident:
- The preliminary results of this study showed that both formulations, whether chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles or biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles, exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against several bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. However, this activity was dependent on the type of bacteria studied as well as the size of the nanoparticles.
- Additionally, it was evident that chemically synthesized nanoparticles were more stable than biologically synthesized ones.
- This study also suggests that clindamycin-bound silver nanoparticles may positively impact leishmaniasis, indicating their potential expansion in the treatment of dermatological and microbial diseases.
All these meticulous research efforts and ongoing scientific experiments indicate that using silver nanoparticles alongside antibiotics can enhance their effectiveness in combating bacterial infections. It is expected that further development will occur in the future, implying potential benefits in certain medical scenarios if directed and used correctly. Consequently, this strategy will be useful in fighting infections more effectively.
