Introduction: Multidrug resistance in nosocomial pathogens is now a serious problem in the health care system and causes the majority of morbidity and death worldwide. The current landscape of antibiotic failures encourages researchers to look for plant-based (green synthesized) nanoparticles (NPs). Therefore, the present study aims to synthesize silver NPs (AgNPs) using the leaf extract of Syzygium cumini (S. cumini) and assess their antibacterial, anti-motility, and anti-biofilm potential against two multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates, i.e., P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii.
Methodology: Optimization of reaction parameters for NPs synthesis was carried out using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. After optimization, these NPs were characterized through UV-Vis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), XRay Diffraction (XRD), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED), and ThermoGravimetric Analyzer (TGA). These NPs were then checked for antibacterial, anti-motility, and anti-biofilm activity.
Results: The spectrum of optimized AgNPs was noticed at 432 nm, displaying a bell-shaped curve under UV-Vis spectroscopy. TEM images showed biosynthesized NPs have a spherical shape and 15-20 nm diameter. The FT-IR study has revealed the presence of phenolics, aromatics, and alkyne groups in the synthesized NPs. These biosynthesized AgNPs were processed for antibacterial, anti-motility, and anti-biofilm activity. Results showed that AgNPs exhibit good antibacterial activity. The effect of AgNPs against P.aeruginosa and A. baumannii showed a substantial reduction in motility patterns and biofilm architecture. A one-way ANOVA statistical test was used that displayed a significant difference (p-value<0.001) in MIC, motility, and biofilm inhibition assay.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, AgNPs showed promising antibacterial, anti-motility, and antibiofilm activity against both MDR clinical strains. However, identifying the active compound and using its NPs in vivo and in animal experiments may add to their future applicability.
Keywords: Silver NPs, biofilm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Syzygium cumini, antibacterial.