The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly the most hazardous pathogens, namely Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp. (ESKAPE)-pathogens pose a significant threat to global health. Current antimicrobial therapies, including those targeting biofilms, have shown limited effectiveness against these superbugs. Nanoparticles, specifically silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), have emerged as a promising alternative for combating bacterial infections. In this study, two types of AgNPs with different physic-chemical properties were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against clinical ESKAPE strains. Two types of silver nanoparticles were assessed: spherical silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-1) and cubic-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-2). AgNPs-2, characterized by a cubic shape and higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, exhibited superior antimicrobial activity compared to spherical AgNPs-1. Both types of AgNPs demonstrated the ability to inhibit biofilm formation and disrupt established biofilms, leading to membrane damage and reduced viability of the bacteria. These findings highlight the potential of AgNPs as effective antibacterial agents against ESKAPE pathogens, emphasizing the importance of nanoparticle characteristics in determining their antimicrobial properties. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimize nanoparticle-based therapies for the management of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Journal of Nano- and Electronic Physics. Scientific journal. ISSN: 2077-6772. Journal abbreviation: J. Nano- Electron. Phys. No page charges. All articles are freely available on-line. Issued 4 times per year. Publisher: Sumy State University. (Sumy, Ukraine)

Author(s): Yanovska G. O.1, Bolshanina S. B.1*, Kuznetsov V. M.2Affilation(s): 1Sumy State University, 2 Rymskogo-Korsakova St., 40007, Sumy, Ukraine2Institute

There are some data indicated the dependence of the antimicrobial effect of nanoparticles on various factors (size, shape, composition of the medium) and on the ability to form active Ag+ ions in solution. We provide synthesis of AgNPs using a stainless steel UV reactor, assess their morphology and chemical patterns. Additionally, the release of silver ions was investigated as is and after ultrasound treatment. We demonstrate that the Ag nanoparticles have cubic shape with size from 80 to 800 nm with remnants of Cl and Na. The incubation of AgNPs demonstrates slow Ag+ release that does not exceed 5 μg/mL per 24 hours. Ultrasound treatment increase ion release that could be used in combined treatment of infected wounds.