Photosensitizer-functionalized silver nanoparticles as potential agents for antibacterial photodynamic therapy
Anastasiya O. Dushina1,2,3, Anna M. Kolchenko3, Polina A. Demina2,3,4, Maxim E. Stepanov3, Tatiana V. Egorova3, Evgeniy V. Khaydukov3,4, Alla N. Generalova1,2; 1National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow, Russia; 2Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS, Moscow, Russia; 3Moscow State Pedagogical University, Moscow, Russia; 4National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russia
Abstract
The escalating crisis of antibiotic resistance has emerged as a critical global health challenge, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies. The study investigates antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) augmented with nanotechnology as a promising alternative. The effectiveness of photosensitizers strongly depends on their physicochemical properties. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known for their bactericidal properties, and their combination with photosensitizers will achieve a synergistic effect. This approach damages bacteria through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by photosensitizers and enhances destruction via the antibacterial action of nanoparticles, particularly against resistant strains.
This study presents the design and characterization of AgNPs-photosensitizer complexes to enhance aPDT. The citrate-synthesized AgNPs demonstrated excellent colloidal stability with a characteristic localized surface plasmon resonance band at 435 nm and were subsequently conjugated with two selected photosensitizers – methylene blue (MB) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN). The formation of both complexes is accompanied by changes in their optical properties and an increase in size, which is probably due to the adsorption of photosensitizers on the AgNPs surface. The antibacterial activity of complexes was evaluated using fluorescent E. coli stain BL21(DE3). Both complexes exhibited potent light-activated bactericidal activity against E. coli (450 nm for FMN, 660 nm for MB). Pre-formed AgNPs-photosensitizer complexes enhanced antibacterial efficacy and reduced cytotoxicity compared to individual components.
The study provides a foundation for further development of nanoparticle-based photosensitizing systems for antimicrobial applications.
This work was carried out within the state assignment of NRC “Kurchatov Institute”.
Speaker
Anastasiya Dushina
National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, Moscow, Russia
Russia
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