Title:Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Citrobacter freundii as Antibiofilm Agents with their Cytotoxic Effects on Human Cells
Volume: 22
Issue: 9
Author(s): Muhamad A.K. Shakhatreh*, Omar F. Al-Rawi, Samer F. Swedan, Karem H. Alzoubi, Omar F. Khabour and Mohamed Al-Fandi
Affiliation:
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110,Jordan
Keywords:
Silver nanoparticles, biosynthesis, Citrobacter freundii, biofilms, antibacterial, cytotoxicity, antimicrobials, infection.
Abstract:
Background: Nanomaterials have recently been identified for their potential benefits in the
areas of medicine and pharmaceuticals. Among these nanomaterials, silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs)
have been widely utilized in the fields of diagnostics, antimicrobials, and catalysis.
Objective: To investigate the potential utility of Citrobacter freundii in the synthesis of silver
Nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), and to determine the antimicrobial activities of the Ag-NPs produced.
Methods: Aqueous Ag+ ions were reduced when exposed to C. freundii extract and sunlight, leading to
the formation of Ag-NPs. Qualitative microanalysis for the synthesized Ag-NPs was done using UVvis
spectrometry, Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and scanning and transmission electron
microscopy. The hydrodynamic size and stability of the particles were detected using Dynamic Light
Scattering (DLS) analysis. The Ag-NPs’ anti-planktonic and anti-biofilm activities against Staphylococcus
aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are two important skin and wound pathogens,
were investigated. The cytotoxicity on human dermal fibroblast cell line was also determined.
Results: Ag-NPs were spherical with a size range between 15 to 30 nm. Furthermore, Ag-NPs displayed
potent bactericidal activities against both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and showed noticeable
anti-biofilm activity against S. aureus biofilms. Ag-NPs induced minor cytotoxic effects on human
cells as indicated by a reduction in cell viability, a disruption of plasma membrane integrity, and apoptosis
induction.
Conclusion: Ag-NPs generated in this study might be a future potential alternative to be used as antimicrobial
agents in pharmaceutical applications for wound and skin related infections.