The enormous influence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has led researchers toward the development of various advanced antibacterial modalities. In this vein, nanotechnology-based devices have garnered interest owing to their excellent morphological as well as physicochemical features, resulting in augmented therapeutic efficacy. Herein, to overcome the multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacteria, we demonstrate the fabrication of a versatile design based on the copper-doped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Cu-MSNs). Indeed, the impregnated Cu species in the siliceous frameworks of MSNs establish pH-responsive coordination interactions with the guest molecules, tetracycline (TET), which not only enhance their loading efficiency but also assist in their release in the acidic environment precisely. Subsequently, the ultrasmall silver nanoparticles-stabilized polyethyleneimine (PEI-SNP) layer is coated over Cu-MSNs. The released silver ions from the surface-deposited SNPs are capable of sensitizing the resistant strains through establishing the interactions with the biomembranes, and facilitate the generation of toxic free radicals, damaging the bacterial components. In addition to SNPs, Cu species impregnated in MSN frameworks synergistically act through the production of free radicals by participating in the Fenton-like reaction. Various physical characterization techniques for confirming the synthesis and successful surface modification of functional nanomaterials, as well as different antibacterial tests performed against MDR bacterial strains, are highly commendable. Remarkably, this versatile formulation has shown no significant toxic effects on normal mammalian fibroblast cells accounting for its high biocompatibility. Together, these biocompatible MSN-based trio-hybrids with synergistic efficacy and pH-responsive delivery of antibiotics potentially allow for efficient combat against MDR in bacteria.
Keywords: antibiotic resistance; copper; mesoporous silica nanoparticles; pH-sensitive release; polyethyleneimine; silver nanoparticles; tetracycline.