Novel Copper Oxide Bio-Nanocrystals to Target Outer Membrane Lectin of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm): In Silico, Bioavailability, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Potential

Molecules. 2022 Nov 17;27(22):7957. doi: 10.3390/molecules27227957.

Abstract

In present study, we used Olea europaea leaf extract to biosynthesize in situ Copper Oxide nanocrystals (CuO @OVLe NCs) with powerful antibacterial and anti-cancer capabilities. Physio-chemical analyses, such as UV/Vis, FTIR, XRD, EDX, SEM, and TEM, were applied to characterize CuO @OVLe NCs. The UV/Vis spectrum demonstrated a strong peak at 345 nm. Furthermore, FTIR, XRD, and EDX validated the coating operation's contact with colloidal CuO @OVLe NCs. According to TEM and SEM analyses, CuO @OVLe NCs exhibited a spherical shape and uniform distribution of size with aggregation, for an average size of ~75 nm. The nanoparticles demonstrated a considerable antibacterial effect against E. faecium bacterial growth, as well as an increased inhibition rate in a dose-dependent manner on the MCF-7, PC3, and HpeG2 cancer cell lines and a decreased inhibition rate on WRL-68. Molecular docking and MD simulation were used to demonstrate the high binding affinity of a ligand (Oleuropein) toward the lectin receptor complex of the outer membrane to vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VREfm) via amino acids (Leu 195, Thr 288, His 165, and Ser 196). Hence, our results expand the accessibility of OVLe's bioactive components as a promising natural source for the manufacture of physiologically active components and the creation of green biosynthesis of metal nanocrystals.

Keywords: Enterococcus faecium; Olea europaea; anti-cancer; antimicrobial; green biosynthesis; molecular docking; molecular dynamic simulation; nanocrystal.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents*
  • Biological Availability
  • Copper
  • Enterococcus faecium*
  • Lectins
  • Metal Nanoparticles*
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Oxides
  • Vancomycin
  • Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci*

Substances

  • cupric oxide
  • cuprous oxide
  • Copper
  • olive leaf extract
  • Vancomycin
  • Lectins
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Oxides

Grants and funding

This research was funded by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Researchers Supporting Project number (PNURSP2022R65), Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This work was also supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research, Vice Presidency for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia (Project# GRANT1889). The research was also supported by the Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Egypt.