Targeting ESKAPE pathogens with ZnS and Au@ZnS Core-Shell nanoconjugates for improved biofilm control
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F61989100%3A27640%2F25%3A10258063" target="_blank" >RIV/61989100:27640/25:10258063 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-07583-5#Ack1" target="_blank" >https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-07583-5#Ack1</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07583-5" target="_blank" >10.1038/s41598-025-07583-5</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
Targeting ESKAPE pathogens with ZnS and Au@ZnS Core-Shell nanoconjugates for improved biofilm control
Original language description
The escalating prevalence of antibiotic-resistant infections and implant-related complications caused by biofilm-forming pathogens from the ESKAPE group, as identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), underscores the urgent need for innovative anti-biofilm strategies. Their occurrence on medical implants & prosthetic devices, as well as nosocomial infections in co-morbid patients, has become a global concern in the healthcare sector. In response, we investigated the efficacy of as-synthesized ZnS quantum dots (ZnS QD) and novel Au@ZnS nanoconjugates (Au@ZnS NC) against a spectrum of ESKAPE pathogens. The present study aimed to elucidate their antibacterial and anti-biofilm efficacy, focusing on Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecium, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter aerogenes pathogens. The novel synthesis and application of ZnS QD and Au@ZnS core-shell NC demonstrate exceptional anti-biofilm efficacy, stability, and solubility in aqueous environments. Utilizing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, tube dilution, and biofilm formation assay, we noticed a significant reduction in biofilm formation and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production upon treatment with Au@ZnS NC, even at low concentrations. Further investigations, including cell permeability assay, reactive oxygen species analysis, and comet analysis, demonstrated that the Au@ZnS NC induced oxidative stress, destabilizing cell structure, macromolecule destruction, and DNA strand breakage. Notably, Au@ZnS nanoconjugates effectively inhibited biofilm formation within 24 h across all tested strains, outperforming ZnS quantum dots. This research highlights the potential of Au@ZnS nanoconjugates to revolutionize infection control on medical devices and implants, offering a promising solution to the global healthcare challenge posed by biofilm-forming pathogens as we also observed minimal bacterial colonization on Au@ZnS treated urinary catheters.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
10400 - Chemical sciences
Result continuities
Project
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Continuities
O - Projekt operacniho programu
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
Scientific Reports
ISSN
2045-2322
e-ISSN
2045-2322
Volume of the periodical
15
Issue of the periodical within the volume
1
Country of publishing house
GB - UNITED KINGDOM
Number of pages
21
Pages from-to
nestránkováno
UT code for WoS article
001522989600015
EID of the result in the Scopus database
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