Biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesized using eucomis autumnalis bulb aqueous extract, their characterization and in vitro antibacterial activity

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global problem that poses a significant threat to public health. AMR arises when microorganisms become resistant to drugs that were initially designed to kill them. The application of antibiotics has proven effective in eliminating or inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms. Conversely, the primary cause of AMR is overprescribing and the misuse of antibiotics which is further increased by a reduced novel antibiotics discovery rate. AMR bacteria lead to hard-to-treat infections, causing longer hospital stays and higher healthcare costs, and is associated with a substantial risk of morbidity and mortality. Consequently, the development of infections caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) microorganisms has resulted in a considerable reduction in the number of effective treatment options available. Thus, novel therapies are urgently required, considering the ineffectiveness of current therapy, moreover, further exacerbated by a reduced discovery rate of novel antibiotics. Alternative strategies are therefore urgently needed to treat AMR bacterial infections. Nanotechnology has revolutionized the nanomedicine field owing to its potential to eradicate the burden of AMR by providing alternative novel or improved therapeutic strategies for AMR infections, while preventing further microbial resistance. Biodegradable metallic nanoparticles (MNPs), particularly silver, gold, cobalt, and zinc, have significantly transformed medicine by serving as antimicrobial, anticancer, drug delivery, contrast, and bioimaging agents. Silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties which aid in the prevention and treatment of infections, are deemed less toxic, cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly, compared to the physical and chemical methods that were commonly used for the synthesis of MNPs. The green synthesis of AgNPs employs sustainable green chemistry principles, makes use of bioactive molecules containing medicinal properties.