Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of nanoparticles in Klebsiella quasipneumoniae

Abstract

Bacterial biofilms are a complex, protective network comprising polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids which act as a physical barrier and are an important mechanism of antimicrobial resistance in human infections. Recent studies have highlighted potential of nanoparticles (NPs) as biofilm inhibitors hence, the present study evaluated biofilm inhibitory activity of clinically used metallic NPs (Ag, ZnO, TiO₂) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a biofilm-producing, clinical isolate Klebsiella quasipneumoniae ATCC 700603. A concentration-dependent reduction in biofilm production was observed with all NPs and was attributed to a reduction in bacterial viability. Additionally, ZnO also exhibited biofilm disrupting potential. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics revealed that NPs interacted with inner membrane, outer membrane, and peptidoglycan in decreasing order. Metallic NPs, particularly ZnO NPs, also interacted with a model biofilm. The results of the present study suggest possible therapeutic application of NPs in infection mitigation and control.