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Infection and Drug Resistance logoLink to Infection and Drug Resistance
. 2020 Feb 7;13:351–362. doi: 10.2147/IDR.S234425

Synergistic and Antagonistic Effects of Metal Nanoparticles in Combination with Antibiotics Against Some Reference Strains of Pathogenic Microorganisms

Usama H Abo-Shama 1,✉, Hanem El-Gendy 2, Walid S Mousa 3, Ragaa A Hamouda 4,5, Wesam E Yousuf 4, Helal F Hetta 6,7, Eman E Abdeen 8
PMCID: PMC7012269  PMID: 32104007

Abstract

Background and Aim

Nanosized inorganic antibacterial materials have received increasing attention in recent years. The present study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles alone and in combination with antibiotics against reference strains of pathogenic microorganisms as Staphylococcus aureus (Staph. aureus), Salmonella enterica subsp. Bukuru, Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Candida albicans ( C. albicans).

Methods

The antimicrobial effect of metal-nanoparticles (AgNPs and ZnONPS) and in combination with antibiotics was studied using the normal disc-diffusion method.

Results

Both AgNPs and ZnONPs had increased antibacterial activity with an increase in their concentration against Gram-positive bacterium (Staph. aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella spp) and no effect on C. albicans. The synergistic effect of antibiotics (azithromycin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, fosfomycin and chloramphenicol) against E. coli was significantly increased in the presence of AgNPs compared to antibiotic only. However, all antibiotics had a synergistic effect in the presence of AgNps against Salmonella spp. On the other hand, the antibacterial action of AgNPs with oxacillin and neomycin antibiotics against Staph. aureus was significantly decreased in comparison with antibiotics only. The synergistic effect of antibiotics (azithromycin, oxacillin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, fosfomycin and oxytetracycline) against E. coli was significantly increased in presence of ZnONPs compared to antibiotic only and also the synergistic effect of antibiotics (azithromycin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, fosfomycin, chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline) against Staph. aureus was significantly increased in the presence of ZnONPs compared to antibiotics only. On the other hand, most antibiotics had an antagonistic effect in presence of ZnONps against Salmonella spp.

Conclusion

AgNPs and ZnONPs demonstrate a good synergistic effect with antibiotics and this may open the door for a future combination therapy against pathogenic bacteria.

Keywords: AgNPs, ZnONPs, antimicrobial activity E. coli Staph. aureus, Salmonella spp, Candida albicans

Introduction

Nano drug delivery system includes design, synthesis, production, characterization, application of structures, devices and systems of nanoparticles with size ranging from 1 to 100 nm.1–4 Wide use of antimicrobial agents contributes to the improvement and rapid spread of bacterial resistance which was identified in commensals bacteria as Escherichia coli (E. coli), zoonotic enteropathogens (eg Salmonella spp.) as well as animal pathogens (eg Pasteurella multocida or Actinobacillus spp.).5–7

Recently, mutli-drug-resistant pathogenic bacterial strains appear where most of the available antibiotics are not effective against these pathogens.8–10 In both human and veterinary medicine, bacterial resistance involves a decrease in antibiotic efficiency which may lead to further health issues.8,11–14 This problem encourages researchers to study the new advanced techniques for characterizing antimicrobial agents which can effectively avoid bacterial growth.8,11 Due to the increasing bacterial resistance to standard antibiotics, the studies on the antibacterial activity of nanoparticles have improved.15,16

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are known to affect bacterial membranes.17 AgNPs are effective as antimicrobial agents at low concentrations (mg/L) and are not cytotoxic to eukaryotic cells, including human erythrocytes.18 AgNPs have proven to be active as antimicrobial agents at a very low concentration and they may prevent the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. AgNPs interact with membrane proteins and bacterial DNA which contain phosphorous and sulphur complex that have a high attraction to AgNPs.19 AgNPs demonstrate potent bactericidal and antibacterial properties not only against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria but also against methicillin-resistant strains.20

Challenges and needs have controlled to a reappearance in the use of silver nanoparticles as antiseptics that may be related to their broad-spectrum activity and far lower tendency to encourage microbial resistance than antibiotics.21

The interactions of antibiotics with silver nanoparticles are the most common among studies committed to the challenging of the mutual action of nanoparticles with antibiotics and studying the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents can be developed by the combination between them with nanoparticles against various pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus (Staph. aureus) and E. coli.22,23 Some metal nanoparticles have been appreciated for increasing the antibacterial activities of different antibiotics such as zinc oxide nanoparticles which have therapeutic roles in different diseases have been recognized in recent years.24

The considerable antimicrobial properties of inorganic metal nanoparticles, such as ZnO, along with their selective toxicity to biological systems encourage their potential use as diagnostics, therapeutics, surgical devices and antimicrobial methods.25,26 Additionally, Zinc oxide nanoparticles yield better results when used in combination with beta-lactams, cephalosporins and aminoglycosides against different pathogenic microorganisms.27,28

Furthermore, ZnONPs demonstrate antibacterial activity and may reduce the attachment of microbes on biomedical surfaces.29,30 Several mechanisms have been described for the antibacterial activity of ZnONPs, for example, ZnONPs can interact with membrane lipids and alter the membrane structure, which may lead to damage to the membrane integrity, malfunction, and may cause bacterial death.31 ZnONPs can also inhibit bacterial growth through the entrance into bacterial cells at a nanoscale with subsequent production of toxic oxygen radicals, which damage the DNA structure and cell membranes.32,33

Synergism is associated with the generation of hydroxyl radicals, alteration of protective cellular functions and an anti-biofilm potential. The combination of antibiotics with nanoparticles is more effective for enhancing antibiotic efficacy in comparison with the action of antibiotics when used in clinical practice. The combination involves reduced development of bacterial resistance, reduce the duration of treatment and reduce antibiotic dose requirements.23 The objective of this study was to detect the antimicrobial activity of silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles alone and in combination with antibiotics against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Materials and Methods

Test Organisms

Reference strains of pathogenic microorganisms as Staph. aureus (MF359584) Salmonella enterica subsp. Bukuru (KY315943) E. coli (KY797673) and C. albicans (KU852509) were obtained from Bacteriology, Mycology and Immunology department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City.

Preparation of the Test Organisms

A loopful of each test organism was taken from the stock culture of these organisms then streaked on slant nutrient agar. The obtained bacterial culture was emulsified in sterile saline and the microbial suspension was adjusted to 105–106 CFU/mL by using MacFarland standards.34

Antibiotics

For observing the combination effect of metal-nanoparticles (AgNPs and ZnONPS) with antibiotics; the antibiotics applied in our study were chosen to cover nearly all the different antibiotic classes appropriate for these microorganisms (Staph. aureus, E. coli, Salmonella spp. and C. albicans). The antibiotics used with their antimicrobial subclasses along with the discs concentration are tabulated in Table 1.

Table 1.

The Antibiotics Used with Their Antimicrobial Subclasses Along with the Discs Concentration Against E. coli, Staph. aureus, Salmonella spp and C. albicans

Antimicrobial Classes Antimicrobial Agent Disc Concentration
Macrolides Azithromycin (AZM) 15 μg
Aminoglycosides Gentamicin (CN) 10 μg
Penicillins Oxacillin (OX) 1 μg
3rd generation of cephalosporin Cefotaxime (CTC) 40 μg
Aminoglycosides Neomycin (N) 30 μg
β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations Ampicillin/Sulbactam (SAM) 20 μg
2nd generation of cephalosporin Cefuroxime (CXM) 30 μg
Broad spectrum antibiotics Fosfomycin (FF) 50 μg
Phenicols Chloramphenicol (C) 30 μg
Tetracyclines Oxytetracycline (T) 30 μg
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Biological Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles

Ulva fasciata alga was collected from shallow water beside the shore of Abu-qir coast, Alexandria, Egypt and was identified as previously described.35,36 The aqueous extracts were prepared by the addition of one gm of dry powder Ulva fasciata to 100 mL DD water boiled for 1 hr then filtrated to obtain an algal aqueous extract.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs)

Ten mL of previous prepared Ulva fasciata aqueous extract was added slowly to 90 mL of freshly prepared 0.1 mm of AgNO3 with stirring and heating at 40°C for 30 mins until the color change to brown.37

Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs)

0.02M aqueous Zinc acetate dehydrates was added to 40 mL distilled water in constant stirring. Then, 10 mL was added of algal aqueous extract after 10 min, stirring then 2.0M NaOH was added, stirring for 2hrs. The pale white precipitate was filtered and washed two times with purified water then by ethanol. Then, pale white powder of zinc oxide nanoparticles was obtained after drying at 60° C in a vacuum oven overnight.37,38

Characterization of the Biologically Synthesized Nanoparticles

UV–Visible Spectroscopy Analysis

The metal ion reduction was examined by measuring UV Spectrum of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs treated supernatant periodically. The aliquots of this solution were monitored for UV spectra. The UV–Vis spectroscopy measurements were recorded at Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), Egypt from 300 to 600 nm. The Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs dispersed in deionized water were observed for their surface plasmon resonance at 420 and 280 nm, respectively.39

Transmission Electron Microscopy

Description of the dimension, figure and the nanoparticles formal of the association was observed via consuming Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) examination (JEOL JEM-2100) at the National Research Center (NRC), Egypt. Samples for TEM investigation remained organized by assigning two droplets of nanoparticle solutions on carbon-coated TEM grids.

Scanning Electron Microscopy

External morphology, scope and distribution of nanoparticles in the solution remained examined at NRC using JEOL JSM-6100 Scanning Electron Microscopy with EDAX recognized scheme worked at a practical prospective of 15 kV and existed adjusted previous to investigate.

X-Ray Diffraction Pattern Analysis

The biosynthesized Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs were freeze-dehydrated and crushed so as to examine XRD design.40 The timely creation and pureness of metal nanoparticles existed, checked through XRD designs which were noted expending precipitate X-ray diffractometer.

Assessment of Antibacterial Activities of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs Alone and with Their Combination with the Selected Antibiotics

The antibacterial activities of the synthesized (Ag-NPs) and zinc oxide (ZnO-NPs) alone and with their combination with the selected antibiotics were determined against the tested isolates using the disc-diffusion method.41 One milliliter of the prepared microbial suspensions was added to 100 mL of nutrient agar medium which adjusted at PH 7.0 after sterilization and before solidification.42,43 The media were shacked well till the complete mixing of the test organisms with the nutrient agar. Then, 25 mL of the prepared medium was poured into each petri-dish (20×120 mm) using a sterile cylinder (25 mL capacity). The plates were completely solidified through left on a horizontal surface at room temperature. To determine the effect of antibiotic discs only, the antibacterial effect of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles only with concentrations (170, 85, 42.5, 21.25, 10.625, 5.31, 2.65, 1.33 and 0.66 µg/mL) and (10, 5, 2.5, 1.25 and 0.6 mg), respectively. To study the combined effects of antibiotics with nanoparticles, each standard paper disc was further impregnated with AgNPs with concentrations 170, 85, 42.5 µg/mL and also each standard paper disc was further impregnated with ZnO nanoparticles with a concentration of 10 mg.44,45 These media were put in incubation and the interactions between nanoparticles and antibiotics were measured by measuring inhibition zones.

Statistical Analysis

Antimicrobial experiments were conducted in triplicate. Data points were expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance from SPSS version 16 software by using one-way ANOVA (Independent t-test). A p < 0.05 is used for significant responses.

Results

Biosynthesis of Nanoparticles

Two totally different metals nanoparticles inclusive Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs in our study were biologically synthesized and analyzed by many techniques to insure the completion of the nano formation and detection of their characteristics.

Characterization of Nanoparticles

Optical examination

The synthesis of Ag-NPs determined by optical examination of the color of the biogenesis silver nanoparticles which turned to chromatic brown. The pale white precipitate was appeared in biogenesis ZnO-NPs by victimisation genus Ulva fasicata.

UV–Visible Spectroscopy

The formation and stability of the reduced metal nanoparticles within the colloidal suspension were monitored by victimization UV absorption spectra. A powerful and broad peak was discovered between 420 and 430 nm confirming the formation of Ag-NPs. An absorption peak discovered at 280 nm as shown in Figure 1 indicates the made biogenesis of ZnO-NPs.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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UV-Vis absorption spectra of metal nanoparticles (A) Ag-NPs (B) ZnO-NPs.

Transmission Electron Microscopy

The morphology and therefore the average size of the synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The particles of Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs biosynthesized are well separated single spherical particles in Ag-NPs, whereas rod-shape in ZnO-NPs without aggregation (Figure 2). The presence of the particles while not aggregation clearly insured the potency of the techniques utilized in the synthesizing processes. The common size of the particles was calculated and located to be 15 ± 0.55 and 187 ± 0.5 nm for Ag-NPs and ZnO-NPs, respectively (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Transmission electron microscopy of metal nanoparticles (A) Ag-NPs (B) ZnO-NPs.

Scanning Electron Microscopy

The results obtained by scanning electron microscopy showed that the silver nanoparticles have a spherical shape, low-density dispersion, while the morphology of ZnONPs synthesis by the biological method was flake shape with a narrow size distribution (Figure 3).

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Scanning electron microscopy of metal nanoparticles (A) Ag-NPs (B) ZnO-NPs.

X-Ray Diffraction Pattern Analysis

The XRD pattern of nitrate treated sample shows 5 intense peaks in the whole spectrum 2 hrs starting from 10 to 60. The characteristic XRD peaks were focused at 28°, 38° and 45° that can be made by the subsequent crystalline planes of silver (111), (200) and (220), respectively. XRD analysis showed the diffraction peaks at that the indexed planes were concerning 111, 200 and 220 of the cubic face-centered silver. Whereas in ZnO-NPs the strong and narrow diffraction peaks indicate that the merchandise has a well crystalline structure. The XRD peaks at 32°, 35°, 38°, 48°, and 58° were known as (100), (110), (111), (200) and (310) reflections, respectively.

Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles

Our results showed that AgNPs had antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacterium (Staph. aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella spp) and no effect on C. albicans as illustrated in Table 2.

Table 2.

Antimicrobial Activity of AgNPs Against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp and C. albicans

Concentration of AgNPs (µg/mL) Zone of Inhibition (mm)
E. coli Staph. aureus Salmonella spp C. albicans
170 26 ±0.57a 27±0.57a 20±0.59b No
85 20±1.15b 22±1.73a 18± 0.57c No
42.5 18 ±0.57a 19±0.57a 16±1.73b No
21.25 16±0.57* 15±1.15* 14±0.57* No
10.625 15±0.57a 14±1.73a 12±0.57b No
5.31 14±1.73a 13±0.57a 11±1.15b No
2.65 13 11 No No
1.33 11 No No No
0.66 No No No No
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Notes: *Non significant; a,b,cStatistical significant difference (P<0.05), a>b>c.

The Efficacy of AgNPs on Enhancing the Activity of Different Antibiotics

According to Table 3, it was demonstrated that AgNPs act synergistically with all tested antibiotics against Salmonella spp. The antibacterial action of AgNPs with antibiotics (azithromycin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, fosfomycin, and chloramphenicol) against E. coli had a significant synergistic effect compared to antibiotic only, while the antibacterial action of AgNPs with gentamicin was significantly decreased in comparison with gentamicin only. Referring to oxacillin, neomycin, ampicillin/sulbactam, and oxytetracycline were none significantly effect when compared to AgNPs with this antibiotic.

Table 3.

Synergistic and Antagonistic Effect of AgNPs in Combination with Various Antibiotics Against E. coli, Staph. aureus, Salmonella spp

E. coli
Azithromycin Gentamicin Oxacillin Cefotaxime Neomycin Ampicillin/Sulbactam Cefuroxime Fosfomycin Chloramphenicol Oxytetracycline
Antibiotic only 28.00±0.57b 31.00±0.55a 19.00±0.57 0.00±0.00b 27.00±0.54 30.00±0.45 0.00±0.00b 0.00±0.00b 27.00±0.77b 22.00±0.56
AgNPs with antibiotic 41.00±0.577a 28.00±0.58b 20.00±0.56 34.00±0.57a 25.00±0.57 32.00±0.84 37.00±0.67a 32.00±0.57a 36.00±0.75a 22.00±0.53
P value *** * NS *** NS NS *** *** *** NS
Staph. aureus
Antibiotic only 27.00±0.49b 27.00±0.45 33.00±0.57a 0.00±0.00b 30.00±0.56a 25.00±0.76b 0.00±0.00b 0.00±0.00b 29.00±0.47b 32.00±0.57b
AgNPs with antibiotic 40.00±0.53a 28.00±0.56 23.00±0.59b 24.00±0.57a 25.00±0.57b 38.00±0.75a 22.00±0.57a 18.00±0.57a 34.00±0.45a 40.00±0.57a
P value *** NS *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Salmonella spp
Antibiotic only 20.00±0.34b 17.00±0.57b 0.00±0.00 b 21.00±0.57b 14.00±0.73b 22.00±0.75b 0.00±0.00 b 0.00±0.00b 27.00±0.57 b 20.00±0.54b
AgNPs with antibiotic 32.00±0.32a 28.00±0.57a 36.00±0.67a 28.00±0.57a 28.00±0.75a 24.00±0.77a 25.00±0.45a 34.00±0.65a 40.00±0.57a 35.00±0.48a
P value *** *** *** *** *** * *** *** *** ***
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Notes: *<0.05; ***<0.001; a,bStatistical significant difference (P<0.05), a>b.

Abbreviation: NS, Non-Significant.

For Staph. aureus, the antibacterial action of AgNPs with antibiotics (azithromycin, cefotaxime, ampicillin/sulbactam, cefuroxime, fosfomycin, chloramphenicol, and oxytetracycline) were having a significant synergistic effect compared to antibiotic only, in contrary, the antibacterial action of AgNPs with oxacillin and neomycin antibiotics was significantly decreased on comparison with antibiotics only, while for gentamicin, the antibacterial effect was non significantly when compared to AgNPs with gentamicin.

Antimicrobial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

ZnONPs had antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus), gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella spp) and no effect on C. albicans as that illustrated in Table 4.

Table 4.

Antimicrobial Activity of ZnONPs Against E. coli, Staph. aureus, Salmonella spp and C. albicans

Concentration of ZnONPs (mg) Zone of Inhibition (mm)
E. coli Staph. aureus Salmonella spp C. albicans
10 26±1.33a 20±0.57b 15±0.57c No
5 22±1.23a 17±0.75b 13±0.57c No
2.5 18±0.57a 15±0.75a 12±0.75b No
1.25 14±0.75a 13±0.57a 10±0.57b No
0.6 No No No No
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Notes: a,b,cStatistical significant difference (P<0.05), a>b>c.

The Efficacy of ZnONPs on Enhancing the Activity of Different Antibiotics

Our results show that the antibacterial action of ZnONPs with antibiotics (azithromycin, oxacillin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, fosfomycin, and oxytetracycline) against E. coli was significantly increased compared to antibiotic only while the antibacterial action of ZnONPs with ampicillin/sulbactam antibiotic against E. coli was significantly decreased in comparison with antibiotic only.

The antibacterial action of ZnONPs with antibiotics (azithromycin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, fosfomycin, chloramphenicol, and oxytetracycline) against Staph. aureus was significantly increased compared to antibiotics only. Furthermore, the antibacterial action of ZnONPs with oxacillin, neomycin, and ampicillin/sulbactam antibiotics against Staph. aureus was significantly decreased in comparison with antibiotics only.

For Salmonella, the antibacterial action of ZnONPs with oxacillin, cefuroxime and fosfomycin against was significantly increased when compared to antibiotics only. Contrarily, the antibacterial action of ZnONPs with antibiotics (azithromycin, gentamicin, cefotaxime, neomycin, ampicillin/sulbactam, chloramphenicol, and oxytetracycline) was significantly decreased in comparison with antibiotics only as shown in Table 5.

Table 5.

Synergistic and Antagonistic Effect of ZnONPs in Combination with Various Antibiotics Against E. coli, Staph. aureus, Salmonella spp

E. coli
Azithromycin Gentamicin Oxacillin Cefotaxime Neomycin Ampicillin/Sulbactam Cefuroxime Fosfomycin Chloramphenicol Oxytetracycline
Antibiotic only 27.00±0.67b 30.00±0.66 19.00±0.57b 0.00±0.00b 27.00±0.56 30.00±0.75a 0.00±0.00b 0.00±0.00b 27.00±0.75 23.00±0.53b
ZnONPs with antibiotic 35.00±0.56a 32.00±0.57 33.00±0.57a 35.00±0.45a 27.00±0.66 23.00±0.73b 27.00±0.54a 33.00±0.56a 27.00±0.87 30.00±0.34a
P value *** NS *** *** NS *** *** *** NS ***
Staph. aureus
Antibiotic only 27.00±0.56b 27.00±0.86 33.00±0.45a 0.00±0.00b 30.00±0.72a 25.00±0.53a 0.00±0.00b 0.00±0.00b 29.00±0.75b 32.00±0.68b
ZnONPs with antibiotic 30.00±0.52a 27.00±0.67 18.00±0.43b 15.00±0.43a 13.00±0.64b 19.00±0.61b 12.00±0.42a 15.00±0.53a 32.00±0.75a 40.00±0.76a
P value * NS *** *** *** *** *** *** * ***
Salmonella spp
Antibiotic only 20.00±0.53a 17.00±0.87a 0.00±0.00b 21.00±0.75a 14.00±0.53a 22.00±0.32a 0.00±0.00b 0.00±0.00b 27.00±0.51a 20.00±0.43a
ZnONPs with antibiotic 14.00±0.58b 12.00±0.86b 10.00±0.56a 16.00±0.87b 0.00±0.00 b 12.00±0.75b 17.00±0.87a 18.00±0.54a 14.00±0.59b 13.00±0.56b
P value *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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Notes: *<0.05; ***<0.001; a,bStatistical significant difference (P<0.05), a>b.

Abbreviation: NS, Non-Significant.

Discussion

The occurrence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has led to serious health problems globally. With the development of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles show a promising and far-ranging chance for the biomedical field, especially for antibacterial, anticancer drug/gene delivery, cell imaging, biosensing.46 Although the combination of antibiotics with nanoparticle metals has been shown to increase some antibiotics efficacy against some pathogens, its influence on the multidrug-resistant against Gram-positive bacterium (Staph. aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella spp) the results are still controversial. So that we aimed to detect the antimicrobial activity of silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles alone and in combination with antibiotics against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

In our study, we observed that the antimicrobial effect of AgNPs against Salmonella spp., Staph. aureus, and E. coli. was dose-dependent which came in concordance with the previous work done by Sondi and Salopeck-Sondi.47

The antibacterial effect of AgNPs could be explained by the fact that AgNPs can adhere easily to the bacterial cell surface due to the electrostatic attraction between the positive surface charge of the AgNPs and the negatively charged cell membrane of microorganisms and also due to the interaction between Ag+ ions and the sulfur contain proteins in the bacterial cell wall leading to disruption of cell wall.48,49

The antimicrobial potential of AgNPs depends on the thickness and structure of bacterial cell walls.48 AgNPs exerts a higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria regardless of their resistance level as compared to Gram-positive bacteria.48 This could be explained based on the difference in cell wall structure between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus is mainly composed of a thick layer of peptidoglycan while in Gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella spp, it consists mainly of lipopolysaccharide, followed by a thin layer of peptidoglycan.49 The extremely small size of metallic nanoparticles allows them to have a large surface area in contact with the bacterial surface leading to a high chance of bacterial elimination.50

Recently, many researchers investigated the antimicrobial action of silver and its compounds and it had been reported that silver is non-toxic to human cells in low concentrations.51–53 The bactericidal effect of silver nanoparticles may be due to the catalytic oxidation by metallic silver and reaction with dissolved monovalent silver ion. Microbial resistance to sliver is less likely to develop, compared to conventional and narrow-target antibiotics, because the metal attacks many targets in the organism simultaneously so the organism must develop several mutations to be resistant.54

Our study clearly shows that the synergistic effect of antibiotics (azithromycin, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, fosfomycin and chloramphenicol) against E. coli was significantly increased in the presence of AgNPs compared to antibiotic only. However, all antibiotics had a synergistic effect in the presence of AgNps against Salmonella spp. On the other hand, the antibacterial action of AgNPs with oxacillin and neomycin antibiotics against Staph. aureus was significantly decreased in comparison with antibiotics only. The exact mechanism of the action of AgNPs is still unclear; however, several theories have been proposed. One theory suggests that AgNPs react with oxygen so disrupt the cellular respiratory chain. Also, AgNPs interact with cell membrane leading to cell death. Another theory proposed that AgNPs could exert antibacterial action through inhibition of unwinding of DNA.55 Moreover, the antibacterial activity of Ag-NPs may be due to the oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) which might be accountable for the antibacterial activity of AgNPs.56

McShan et al showed tetracycline-AgNPs and neomycin-AgNPs both acted synergistically to inhibit Salmonella typhimurium growth with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 0.07 μg/mL and 0.43 μg/mL, respectively.57

In our study, we found that ZnONPs had antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacterium (Staph. aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella spp). Reddy et al (2007)58 have reported the same results emphasizing on the higher susceptibility of Gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria. Previously, several researchers found that nano-sized ZnO displays varying morphologies that show significant antibacterial activity over a wide spectrum of bacterial species.59 Concentration, size, and stability are major factors affecting the antimicrobial properties of ZnO NP.60,61 Moreover, ZnO nanoparticles are characterized by chemical and physical stability, effective antibacterial activity, intensive ultraviolet, and infrared adsorption and a wide range of applications.62

The exact mechanism of the antibacterial activity of ZnO-NPs is still unclear. However, previous studies demonstrated that their bactericidal and bacteriostatic actions may be due to the generation of ROS as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which causes damage to the cell wall and cell membrane and facilitate the entrance of ZnO-NPs due to loss of proton stimulus force.63–66 Another mechanism of the antibacterial activity of ZnO-NPs may be due to the binding of ZnO-NPs on the bacterial surface due to the electrostatic forces.67

Our results revealed that the antibiotic activity was significantly increased when combined with ZnO nanoparticles except for Salmonella. It was reported that Imipenem had elevated antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae when combined with ZnO NPs.62,68 In our study, E. coli developed resistance against ZnONPs and its combined effect with antibiotics and this came in concordance with Joshi et al69 who reported that E. coli developed resistance against Ag-NPs and the reason for that bacteria protected itself through the overproduction of extracellular polymeric substances called colanic acid.70 Additionally, our results revealed that the antioxidant activity of nanoparticles is dose-dependent. Azizi et al71 reported the same result where the scavenging of Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals was dose-dependent and found to be increasing as the concentration of ZnONPs increased.7,2

Conclusion

The current study showed that AgNPs with tested antibiotics give a good synergistic effect than ZnONPs with the same antibiotics. Moreover, AgNPs and ZnONPs compounds are safe and non-toxic and may be considered for future combination therapies against pathogenic bacteria due to its potential synergistic effect with important antibiotics.

Funding Statement

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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