Enhanced antibacterial effects of green synthesized ZnO NPs using Aristolochia indica against Multi-drug resistant bacterial pathogens from Diabetic Foot Ulcer.

BACKGROUND

Increased incidence of Multi-drug resistance in microorganisms has become the greatest challenge in the treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) and urges the need of a new antimicrobial agent. In this study, we determined the bactericidal effects of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) green synthesized from Aristolochia indica against Multi-drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs) isolated from pus samples of DFU patients attending in a tertiary care hospital in South India.

METHODS

ZnO NPs were characterized by UV-vis-DRS spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and for its zeta potential value. MIC/MBC assays were performed to determine bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects. Time-kill assays, Protein leakage and Flow cytometric analysis evaluated bacterial cell death at 1x MIC and 2x MIC concentrations of ZnO NPs.

RESULTS

ZnO NPs of size 22.5nm with a zeta potential of -21.9±1mV exhibited remarkable bactericidal activity with MIC/MBC ranging from 25 to 400μg/ml with a significant reduction in viable count from 2h onwards. Protein leakage and Flow cytometric analysis confirmed bacterial cell death due to ZnO NPs.

CONCLUSIONS

This study concluded that green synthesis protocol offers reliable, eco-friendly approach towards the development of antimicrobial ZnO NPs to combat antibiotic drug resistance.