Effect of silver nanoparticles on the antibacterial activity of Levofloxacin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

M.J. Saadh

Faculty of Pharmacy, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan. msaadeh@meu.edu.jo

---

• Pharmacology

OBJECTIVE: The paper presents the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) when conjugated with Levofloxacin. The AgNPs used in this study were synthesized from silver nitrate using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Levofloxacin activity was determined by minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and also the erythrocyte hemolytic assay determined the capability of conjugation to cause hemolysis in human erythrocyte.

RESULTS: The synthesis of levofloxacin–AgNP conjugates was confirmed by ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) spectroscopy. A peak absorption value between 400-450 nm for the extract and the color change to dark brown were corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of AgNPs. On the other hand, levofloxacin–AgNPs could be effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The MICs of levofloxacin and levofloxacin–AgNPs were 12 and 10 µM, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that levofloxacin-AgNPs had an effective bactericidal activity against the bacterial MRSAs. This conjugation appeared to inhibit bacterial adaptive capabilities, which leads to inhibition of bacterial resistance.

Free PDF Download