Functional gold nanoparticles as potent antimicrobial agents against multi-drug-resistant bacteria.

ABSTRACT: We present the use of functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to combat multi-drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Tuning of the functional groups on the nanoparticle surface provided gold nanoparticles that were effective against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive uropathogens, including multi-drug-resistant pathogens. These AuNPs exhibited low toxicity to mammalian cells, and bacterial resistance was not observed after 20 generations. A strong structure-activity relationship was observed as a function of AuNP functionality, providing guidance to activity prediction and rational design of effective antimicrobial nanoparticles.

SUBMITTER: Li X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4212784 | biostudies-other | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other