Experimental confirmation of antimicrobial effects of GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles

Abstract

Nanotechnology can be applied to design antibacterial agents to combat antibiotic resistance. The aim of the present study was to assess the antimicrobial effects and cytotoxicity of GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles (NPs). Biofilm inhibition activity, antimicrobial activity, bacterial viability inhibition and DNA cleavage activity of GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ NPs were studied. In addition, the impact of GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ NPs on the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ_M) of host immune cells and, hence, their apoptosis was analyzed by JC-1 staining using flow cytometry. GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ NPs demonstrated good antimicrobial, cell viability inhibition and DNA cleavage activities. In addition, GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ NPs showed good biofilm inhibition activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and inhibition percentages were 89.15% and 79.54%, respectively. However, GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ NPs promoted mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis of leukocytes at high concentrations. GdYVO₄:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles are promising antibacterial agents. However, more efforts should be exerted to ensure their safety.

Keywords:

• JC-1
• mitochondrial membrane potential
• DNA cleavage
• biofilm inhibition activity
• antimicrobial activity
• bacterial viability
• nanoparticles

Disclosure statement

All authors have approved the final versions of manuscript and its submission.

Additional information

Funding

The research was funded by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine as a fragment of the project entitled ‘Research of Efficiency, Mechanisms of Action and Safety of Use of Orthovanadate Nanoparticles of Rare Earth Elements for Optimization of Radiation Therapy in the Conditions of Oncopathology’ [state registration number 0121U110920].