Silver nanoparticles toxicity against airborne strains of Staphylococcus spp.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to explore the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized by chemical reduction method assessment with regard to airborne strains of Staphylococcus spp.

The first step of the experiment was the preparation of silver nanoparticle suspension. The suspension was obtained by a fast and simple chemical method involving the reduction of silver ions through a reducing factor in the presence of the suitable stabilizer required to prevent the aggregation. In the second stage, varied instrumental techniques were used for the analysis and characterization of the obtained nanostructures. Third, the bacteria of the Staphylococcus genus were isolated from the air under stable conditions with 47 sports and recreational horses, relatively. Next, isolated strains were identified using biochemical and spectrophotometric methods. The final step was the evaluation of the Staphylococcus genus sensitivity to nanosilver using the disk diffusion test. It has been proven that prepared silver nanoparticles exhibit strong antibacterial properties. The minimum inhibitory concentration for tested isolates was 30 μg/mL. It has been found that the sensitivity of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from six identified species differs considerably. The size distribution of bacterial growth inhibition zones indicates that resistance to various nanosilver concentrations is an individual strain feature, and has no connection with belonging to a specific species.

KEYWORDS:

• Air
• disk diffusion test
• horses
• MALDI-TOF MS
• silver nanoparticles
• Staphylococcus spp

Funding

This study was funded by the statutory measures of the Department of Microbiology, University of Agriculture in Cracow, Poland – DS 3157/KM. The authors would like to thank for the opportunity to study and help shown over the completion of research data to Mrs. Anna Szary-Ziębicka from Szary Riding Club in Michałowice.