Effect of membrane depolarization against Aspergillus niger GM31 resistant by ultra nanoclusters characterized by Ag2+ and Ag3+ oxidation state

Sci Rep. 2023 Feb 15;13(1):2716. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-29918-w.

Abstract

To date, the impossibility of treating resistant forms of bacteria and fungi (AMR) with traditional drugs is a cause for global alarm. We have made the green synthesis of Argirium silver ultra nanoclusters (Argirium-SUNCs) very effective against resistant bacteria (< 1 ppm) and mature biofilm (0.6 ppm). In vitro and preclinical tests indicate that SUNCs are approximately 10 times less toxic in human cells than bacteria. Unique chemical-physical characteristics such as particle size < 2 nm, a core composed of Ag0, and a shell of Ag +, Ag2+ , Ag3+ never observed before in stable form in ultra pure water, explain their remarkable redox properties Otto Cars (Lancet Glob. Health 9:6, 2021). Here we show that Argirium-SUNCs have strong antimicrobial properties also against resistant Aspergillus niger GM31 mycelia and spore inactivation (0.6 ppm). The membrane depolarization is a primary target leading to cell death as already observed in bacteria. Being effective against both bacteria and fungi Argirium-SUNCs represent a completely different tool for the treatment of infectious diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents* / pharmacology
  • Aspergillus niger
  • Bacteria
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Oxidation-Reduction

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents

Supplementary concepts

  • Aspergillus brasiliensis