Development of hybrid nanocarriers (biogenic/micellar AgNPs) to bacteria fight

• Grant number: 21/00998-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2021
• End date: April 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal Investigator: Renata de Lima
• Grantee: Vitória Aparecida Nobrega Antunes
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação, Pesquisa, Extensão e Inovação. Universidade de Sorocaba (UNISO). Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In the last year (2020) the world has turned its attention to the new SARS-CoV2 virus, since the pandemic has brought to light Public Health problems that had already been raised over the past few years. Likewise, the frequent concern with bacterial resistance has been reported by many professionals who encounter patients with infections refractory to conventional pharmacological treatments. In this way, new technologies were presented in an attempt to alleviate the problems reported in recent times. Likewise, we have evolved in relation to technologies involving diagnostics, genomics and treatments, we have observed, in parallel, the evolution of microorganisms that seem to challenge men in relation to their ability to solve problems. Among the different technologies, nanotechnology has shown good results in combating microorganisms. Among these, metallic biogenic nanoparticles, especially silver nanoparticles, stand out, as their results have shown excellent antimicrobial activity and low toxicity. Thus, this project aims to carry out the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using metabolites of the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum as a reducing and stabilizing agent, followed by their physical-chemical characterization, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, as well as their bactericidal activity. Aiming at practical use as solutions for nasopharyngeal and intravenous applications, the nanoparticles will be incorporated in a micellar solution and their antimicrobial activity, as well as toxicity, will be evaluated. For the synthesis of nanoparticles, metabolites of the fungus plus silver nitrate (AgNO3) will be used as a precursor agent. The physical-chemical characterization of the nanoparticles and micellar solution will be performed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nanoparticle tracking (NTA) techniques, the evaluation of cell viability will be performed using 3- (4,5-dimethylthiazole-2- yl) -5- (3-carboxymethoxyphenyl) -2- (4-sulfophenyl) -2H-tetrazolium (MTS) and Trypan Blue. Comet analyses using cell lines will be used to assess genotoxicity. The evaluation of antibacterial activity will be performed using the disk-diffusion tests on agar, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (CBM) and bacterial growth kinetics. As a result, it is expected to obtain nanoparticles, isolated or incorporated in the micellar systems, with broad antimicrobial potential and low toxicity, enabling the development of a new product that can be used to fight bacteria with action located in the nose and throat, as well as for action systemic in the fight against bacterial resistance.