Nano-enhanced benzylpenicillin: Bridging antibacterial action with anti-inflammatory potential against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

• Published in: Microbes and infection p. 105436
• Main Authors: Gomes-da-Silva, Natália Cristina, França, Álefe Roger Silva, dos Santos, Clenilton Costa, Alencar, Luciana Magalhães Rebelo, Rosas, Elaine Cruz, Corrêa, Luana Barbosa, Lorentino, Carolline M.A., Santos, André L.S., Ricci-Junior, Eduardo, Santos-Oliveira, Ralph
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Masson SAS 13-11-2024
• Subjects: Anti-inflammatory; Drug delivery; Nanobenzylpenicillin; Anti-inflammatory; Nanobenzylpenicillin; Drug delivery
• ISSN: 1286-4579; 1769-714X; 1769-714X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2024.105436

This study investigates the enhancement of benzylpenicillin's antibacterial properties using nanomedicine, specifically by developing benzylpenicillin nanoemulsions. To address the escalating issue of bacterial resistance, we employed the advanced techniques Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy to analyze the nanoemulsions' molecular structure and characteristics. We then evaluated the impact of these nanoemulsions on nitric oxide production by macrophages to deternine their potential to modulate inflammatory responses. We further assessed the antibacterial effectiveness of the nanoparticles against the pathogens Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) and Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus). The results of antibiograms showed significant efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values, confirming their bactericidal potential. The investigation into the mechanism of action suggested substantial disruption to bacterial membrane integrity, underscoring a possible mode of antibacterial activity. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the synergistic relationship between antibiotics and nanoparticles. In particular, it demonstrates the potential of benzylpenicillin nanoparticles to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy and influence inflammatory responses obtained by evaluating nitrite, IL-6 and TNF-α, offering promising avenues for future clinical applications and strategies to combat bacterial resistance.
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