Synthetic, biological and physiological identity of green cobalt oxide nanosponges engineered for multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria

Abstract

The combination of nanoscale drug carriers and LOX-targeting strategies offers a multifaceted approach to effectively combat bacterial infections, potentially overcoming the challenges associated with traditional antibiotic therapies. The cobalt nano-precipitates underwent a straightforward transformation into fine nano-sponges, facilitated by green reduction using Withania coagulans. The functional nano-sponges were thoroughly characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and SEM. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and zeta potential measurements were conducted to assess the thermal stability of the synthesized Co₃O₄ NS. P. aeruginosa bacterial inhibition with SL Co₃O₄ NS showed 52%, 68% and 78.9% enhanced activity compared to the control at concentrations of 10 mg mL⁻¹, 20 mg mL⁻¹ and 40 mg mL⁻¹, respectively. However, DL Co₃O₄ NS showed 94.7% and 84.2% inhibition at 10 mg mL⁻¹ and 20 mg mL⁻¹, respectively, with a 10% increase in activity compared to the control. Similarly, DL Co₃O₄ NS showed earlier inhibition of the LOX enzyme compared to Co₃O₄ NS and the drug alone. These nano-sponges contributed to the development of a synergistic approach to drug delivery, where the cobalt oxide nano-sponges (Co₃O₄ NS) were functionalized with antimicrobial agents, specifically diclofenac and streptomycin, to target and inhibit LOX expansion.