Biocompatible Synthesis of Porous Alumina Nanoparticles Using Thyme Extract and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activity Against Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus
Subject Areas : Nanotechnology and Nano-biotechnology in Food and Agriculture IndustriesFatemeh Sadeghi 1 , Mohamadhassan Tadayon-Tajabadi 2 *
1 - Department of Microbiology, KeC., Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
2 - Department of Microbiology, KeC., Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran
Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, Alumina nanoparticles, Thyme, Antibacterial activity,
Abstract :
Given the significant increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics and growing concerns over the rising costs of healthcare, extensive research is underway to develop novel, effective, and low-cost antimicrobial agents that lack the potential to induce resistance. Among these efforts, Staphylococcus aureus holds a special position as one of the primary pathogens responsible for human infections. The increasing prevalence of infections caused by this bacterium, along with the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, has turned this pathogen into a serious public health challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of alumina nanoparticles on beta-lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from clinical samples. The alumina nanoparticles were synthesized using a green synthesis method with thyme plant extract. Ten clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics were identified using biochemical tests. The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing isolates were identified using phenotypic testing. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated using the well diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. Various concentrations of alumina nanoparticles were prepared in solvents of dimethyl sulfoxide and methanol in equal volume proportions. After incubating the samples for 24 hours at 37°C, the diameters of the growth inhibition zones were measured, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. The results indicated that the synthesized nanoparticles, with an average diameter of 20 nanometers, exhibited significant inhibitory effects on all tested isolates. The average MIC for this nanoparticle was found to be 20 mg/mL. These findings suggest the high potential of alumina nanoparticles as an effective antibacterial agent against resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains and their potential application in combating drug-resistant bacterial infections
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