Comparative antibacterial and antifungal activities of sulfur nanoparticles capped with chitosan

Abstract

The antimicrobial activity of sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) was compared with elemental sulfur and sulfur-containing salts (sodium thiosulfate and sodium metabisulfite) against bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans) using the paper disc, broth microdilution, and time-kill assay methods. The results of the paper disc and MIC tests showed stronger antimicrobial activity of SNPs compared to the elemental sulfur and sulfur-containing salts. SNPs showed more potent activity against bacteria than fungi. Among the test microorganisms, E. coli (Gram-negative) was the most susceptible to SNPs, followed by S. aureus (Gram-positive), C. albicans (yeast), and A. flavus (mold). Scanning electron micrographs of microorganisms treated with SNPs showed different cell disruption patterns depending on the type of microorganisms.

Keywords: Antimicrobial activity; Elemental sulfur; Sodium metabisulfite; Sodium thiosulfate; Sulfur nanoparticles.