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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 21663

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Irena Maliszewska

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Guest Editor

Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: synthesis of metallic nanoparticles; nanofibers; antimicrobial activity; photodynamic therapy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The problem of the presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the human environment has worsened the difficult clinical situation as it has a direct public health impact due to the reduced antimicrobial activity of known antibiotics. An example of such microbes is the group of pathogenic bacteria called ESKAPE. The acronym ESKAPE consists of the first letters of the generic names of the following bacteria: Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacteriaceae. This acronym covers bacterial pathogens that cannot be eliminated with classical antibiotics.

In addition, there is a growing concern regarding infections associated with the biofilm formation, which may be resistant to the currently available arsenal of antimicrobial agents. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop alternative protocols for combating antimicrobial resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs.

Over the last two decades, there has been a significant increase in the use of nanodrugs as innovative tools to combat the antimicrobial resistance of pathogens. In this respect, nanomaterials have shown promise due to their unique physical and chemical properties. Their large surface in relation to the volume allows for close interaction with microbial membranes as well as their surface functionalization. Scientists are primarily interested in metal nanoparticles as innovative tools to combat pathogen resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial activity of several metals, metal oxides, metal halides, and bimetallic nanoparticles has been well documented. Moreover, functionalization of nanoparticles with chemotherapeutic drugs is not only a promising nanoplatform for combating bacterial resistance but may also reduce the dose of the drug and, thus, its toxicity.

On the other hand, antimicrobial nanoparticles can be entrapped in polymer membranes to form hybrid nanoparticles or nanocomposites. It is also possible to improve the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles and reduce their toxicity by modifying the surface with ligands or antibodies.

We are interested in manuscripts that report new antimicrobial protocols related to various nano-sized materials but also provide reviews of the subject.

Prof. Dr. Irena Maliszewska
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

metallic nanoparticles
bimetallic nanoparticles
antimicrobial activity
polymeric nanomaterials
nanoplatforms
nanoparticle functionalization
delivery of antimicrobial agents

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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17 pages, 2858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RVG Peptide-Functionalized Favipiravir Nanoparticle Delivery System Facilitates Antiviral Therapy of Neurotropic Virus Infection in a Mouse Model

by Meishen Ren, You Zhou, Teng Tu, Dike Jiang, Maonan Pang, Yanwei Li, Yan Luo, Xueping Yao, Zexiao Yang and Yin Wang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(6), 5851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065851 - 19 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2766

Abstract

Neurotropic viruses severely damage the central nervous system (CNS) and human health. Common neurotropic viruses include rabies virus (RABV), Zika virus, and poliovirus. When treating neurotropic virus infection, obstruction of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) reduces the efficiency of drug delivery to the CNS. An efficient intracerebral delivery system can significantly increase intracerebral delivery efficiency and facilitate antiviral therapy. In this study, a rabies virus glycopeptide (RVG) functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) packaging favipiravir (T-705) was developed to generate T-705@MSN-RVG. It was further evaluated for drug delivery and antiviral treatment in a VSV-infected mouse model. The RVG, a polypeptide consisting of 29 amino acids, was conjugated on the nanoparticle to enhance CNS delivery. The T-705@MSN-RVG caused a significant decrease in virus titers and virus proliferation without inducing substantial cell damage in vitro. By releasing T-705, the nanoparticle promoted viral inhibition in the brain during infection. At 21 days post-infection (dpi), a significantly enhanced survival ratio (77%) was observed in the group inoculated with nanoparticle compared with the non-treated group (23%). The viral RNA levels were also decreased in the therapy group at 4 and 6 dpi compared with that of the control group. The T-705@MSN-RVG could be considered a promising system for CNS delivery for treating neurotropic virus infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

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15 pages, 4136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Photo-Eradication of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Using Methylene Blue

by Irena Maliszewska and Anna Zdubek

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010791 - 2 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3135 | Correction

Abstract

This work compared the effectiveness of several Methylene Blue (MB)-based protocols for photo-eradication of biofilms formed on the surface of the glass and stainless steel discs by S. aureus MRSA isolates using a diode laser (λ = 665 nm; output power 40 mW; energy fluence was 189 J cm⁻²). The results obtained showed that MB alone, up to a concentration of 62.5 mgL⁻¹, had limited photo-bactericidal activity. It was possible to enhance the activity of MB using two types of spherical gold nanoparticles of similar sizes, 15 ± 3 nm/20 ± 3 nm, but differing in the method of their synthesis and stabilization. The enhancement of the photodestruction effect was related to the increased production of hydroxyl radicals by the MB+gold nanoparticles mixture, and this mixture showed dark cytotoxicity against the cocci studied. Effective destruction (mortality above 99.9%) of the biofilms formed by MRSA isolates was also possible without the use of gold nanoparticles, but the concentration of MB had to be at least 125 mgL⁻¹. A highly efficient protocol of photodestruction of biofilms, consisting of triple exposure of biofilms to laser light in the presence of MB alone, combined with the removal of dead bacteria protecting deep layers of pathogens against photosensitization, was also described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

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11 pages, 1935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Efficacy of Wound Healing under External (Bio)AgNCs Treatment: Localization Case Study in Liver and Blood Tissue

by Viorica Railean, Magdalena Buszewska-Forajta, Agnieszka Rodzik, Adrian Gołębiowski, Paweł Pomastowski and Bogusław Buszewski

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010434 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1875

Abstract

The present study reports on the in vivo application of (Bio)silver nanocomposite formulations (LBPC-AgNCs) on wound healing. Additionally, the present study emphasizes the limited uptake of silver by liver and blood tissues as well as the high viability of PBMCs following external LBPC-AgNCs treatment. The wound closure was monitored via stereoscopic microscope, a localization case study in liver and blood tissue was carried out by (Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometers (ICP/MS), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBC) viability was determined via flow cytometry technique. The silver formulation was applied externally on the site of the wound infection for a period of ten days. At the beginning of the experiment, a moderate decrease in body weight and atypical behavior was observed. However, during the last period of the experiment, no abnormal mouse behaviors were noticed. The wound-healing process took place in a gradual manner, presenting the regeneration effect at around 30% from the fourth day. From the seventh day, the wounds treated with the silver formulation showed 80% of the wound healing potential. The viability of PBMCs was found to be 97%, whereas the concentrations of silver in the liver and blood samples were determined to be 0.022 µg/g and 9.3 µg/g, respectively. Furthermore, the present report becomes a pilot study in transferring from in vitro to in vivo scale (e.g., medical field application) once LBPC-AgNCs have demonstrated a unique wound healing potential as well as a non-toxic effect on the liver and blood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

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20 pages, 8046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Standing Bioinspired Polymer Films Doped with Ultrafine Silver Nanoparticles as Innovative Antimicrobial Material

by Ekaterina A. Kukushkina, Ana Catarina Duarte, Giuseppe Tartaro, Maria Chiara Sportelli, Cinzia Di Franco, Lucía Fernández, Pilar García, Rosaria Anna Picca and Nicola Cioffi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(24), 15818; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232415818 - 13 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3107

Abstract

Thin self-standing films with potential antimicrobial synergistic activity have been produced by a simple green chemical synthesis with overnight thermal treatment. Their properties have been studied by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and other techniques to understand their potential range of applications. In this work, the focus was set on the development of a potential novel and effective alternative to conventional antimicrobial materials. By creating an antimicrobial polymer blend, and using it to develop and immobilize fine (~25 nm) silver nanophases, we further aimed to exploit its film-forming properties and create a solid composite material. The resulting polymer matrix showed improved water uptake percentage and better stability in the presence of water. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the films, which is due to both organic and inorganic components, has been evaluated by Kirby–Bauer assay against common foodborne pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica) and resulted in a clear inhibition zone of 1.2 cm for the most complex nanocomposition. The excellent performance against bacteria of fresh and 6-month-old samples proves the prospects of this material for the development of smart and biodegradable food packaging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

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19 pages, 2465 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biocidal Activity of Tannic Acid-Prepared Silver Nanoparticles towards Pathogens Isolated from Patients with Exacerbations of Chronic Rhinosinusitis

by Joanna Szaleniec, Agnieszka Gibała, Joanna Stalińska, Magdalena Oćwieja, Paulina Żeliszewska, Justyna Drukała, Maciej Szaleniec and Tomasz Gosiewski

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 15411; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232315411 - 6 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2275

Abstract

The microbiome’s significance in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is unclear. Antimicrobials are recommended in acute exacerbations of the disease (AECRS). Increasing rates of antibiotic resistance have stimulated research on alternative therapeutic options, including silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). However, there are concerns regarding the safety of silver administration. The aim of this study was to assess the biological activity of tannic acid-prepared AgNPs (TA-AgNPs) towards sinonasal pathogens and nasal epithelial cells (HNEpC). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for pathogens isolated from patients with AECRS was approximated using the well diffusion method. The cytotoxicity of TA-AgNPswas evaluated using an MTT assay and trypan blue exclusion. A total of 48 clinical isolates and 4 reference strains were included in the study (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiellaoxytoca, Acinetobacter baumannii, Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter cloacae). The results of the studies revealed that the MIC values differed between isolates, even within the same species. All the isolates were sensitive to TA-AgNPs in concentrations non-toxic to human cells during 24 h exposition. However, 48 h exposure to TA-AgNPs increased toxicity to HNEpC, narrowing their therapeutic window and enabling 19% of pathogens to resist the TA-AgNPs’ biocidal action. It was concluded that TA-AgNPs are non-toxic for the investigated eukaryotic cells after short-term exposure and effective against most pathogens isolated from patients with AECRS, but sensitivity testing may be necessary before application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

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17 pages, 5155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Enhancing the Corrosion Resistance and Photo-Thermal Antibacterial Properties of the Micro-Arc Oxidation Coating Fabricated on Medical Magnesium Alloy

by Tianlu Li, Yun Zhao and Minfang Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10708; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810708 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1934

Abstract

Photo-thermal antibacterial properties have attracted much attention in the biomedical field because of their higher antibacterial efficiency. Through fabricating micro-arc oxidation coatings with different treating current densities set on a Mg-Zn-Ca alloy, the present study tried to systematically investigate and optimize the corrosion resistance and photo-thermal antibacterial properties of MAO coatings. The results indicated that different current densities had great influence on the corrosion resistance and photo-thermal property of the MAO coatings, and a current density at 30 A·dm⁻² exhibited the best corrosion resistance, light absorption capacity at 808 nm, and photo-thermal capability, simultaneously with good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). This photo-thermal property of MAO coatings was probably related to the effect of current density on MgO content in the coating that could promote the separation of photo-generated electron carriers and hinder the recombination of photo-generated electron carriers and holes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

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18 pages, 9785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibiofilm Effect of Silver Nanoparticles in Changing the Biofilm-Related Gene Expression of Staphylococcus epidermidis

by Denis Swolana, Małgorzata Kępa, Celina Kruszniewska-Rajs and Robert D. Wojtyczka

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9257; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169257 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2302

Abstract

Nowadays, antibiotic resistance is a major public health problem. Among staphylococci, infections caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) are frequent and difficult to eradicate. This is due to its ability to form biofilm. Among the antibiotic substances, nanosilver is of particular interest. Based on this information, we decided to investigate the effect of nanosilver on the viability, biofilm formation and gene expression of the icaADBC operon and the icaR gene for biofilm and non-biofilm S. epidermidis strains. As we observed, the viability of all the tested strains decreased with the use of nanosilver at a concentration of 5 µg/mL. The ability to form biofilm also decreased with the use of nanosilver at a concentration of 3 µg/mL. Genetic expression of the icaADBC operon and the icaR gene varied depending on the ability of the strain to form biofilm. Low concentrations of nanosilver may cause increased biofilm production, however no such effect was observed with high concentrations. This confirms that the use of nanoparticles at an appropriately high dose in any future therapy is of utmost importance. Data from our publication confirm the antibacterial and antibiotic properties of nanosilver. This effect was observed phenotypically and also by levels of gene expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

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14 pages, 7000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functionalised Anodised Aluminium Oxide as a Biocidal Agent

by Mateusz Schabikowski, Magdalena Laskowska, Paweł Kowalczyk, Andrii Fedorchuk, Emma Szőri-Dorogházi, Zoltán Németh, Dominika Kuźma, Barbara Gawdzik, Aleksandra Wypych, Karol Kramkowski and Łukasz Laskowski

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8327; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158327 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2258

Abstract

In this article, we describe the antimicrobial properties of a new composite based on anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) membranes containing propyl-copper-phosphonate units arranged at a predetermined density inside the AAO channels. The samples were prepared with four concentrations of copper ions and tested as antimicrobial drug on four different strains of Escherichia coli (K12, R2, R3 and R4). For comparison, the same strains were tested with three types of antibiotics using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) tests. Moreover, DNA was isolated from the analysed bacteria which was additionally digested with formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (Fpg) protein from the group of repair glycosases. These enzymes are markers of modified oxidised bases in nucleic acids produced during oxidative stress in cells. Preliminary cellular studies, MIC and MBC tests and digestion with Fpg protein after modification of bacterial DNA suggest that these compounds may have greater potential as antibacterial agents than antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, bleomycin and cloxacillin. The described composites are highly specific for the analysed model Escherichia coli strains and may be used in the future as new substitutes for commonly used antibiotics in clinical and nosocomial infections in the progressing pandemic era. The results show much stronger antibacterial properties of the functionalised membranes on the action of bacterial membranes in comparison to the antibiotics in the Fpg digestion experiment. This is most likely due to the strong induction of oxidative stress in the cell through the breakdown of the analysed bacterial DNA. We have also observed that the intermolecular distances between the functional units play an important role for the antimicrobial properties of the used material. Hence, we utilised the idea of the 2D solvent to tailor them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Antimicrobial Nanomaterials)

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