Analysis of antibiofilm activity gold and silver nanoparticles against uropathogenic Escherichia coli using confocal laser scanning microscopy

Abstract

Infectious diseases, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), significantly impact global health, diminishing the quality of life and increasing clinical and economic burdens. Concerns arise due to the potential development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) facilitated by biofilm formation. Nanotechnology, specifically silver and silver nanoparticles (1–100 nm), proves effective against bacterial strains, making them valuable in the biomedical field. Advances in microscopic imaging techniques, such as Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), enhance our understanding of biofilms. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and optimal concentration of gold and silver nanoparticles in combating biofilms formed by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) through CLSM analysis. The research comprises the following stages: rejuvenation of bacterial isolates and inoculum preparation, testing the anti-biofilm activity of gold and silver nanoparticles at concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm against UPEC using CLSM analysis. The findings reveal that both gold and silver nanoparticles exhibit anti-biofilm activity against UPEC at concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm, as confirmed by CLSM analysis. The optimal concentration for anti-biofilm activity of gold and silver nanoparticles against UPEC is identified as 100 ppm.