Abstract: |
Cefotaxime (CTX) is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with broad-spectrum
activity against Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. However, like other third-generation
cephalosporin antibiotics, its efficacy is declining due to the increased prevalence of multidrugresistant
(MDR) pathogens. Recent advances in nanotechnology have been projected as a practical
approach to combat MDR microorganisms. Therefore, in the current study, gold nanoparticles
(AuNPs) were prepared using cefotaxime sodium, which acted as a reducing and capping agent,
besides having well-established antibacterial activity. The synthesized cefotaxime-loaded gold
nanoparticles (C-AuNPs) were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM and DLS. In
addition, the in vitro antibacterial activity of C-AuNPs was assessed against both Gram-positive
and Gram-negative bacteria. UV-Visible spectroscopy verified the formation of C-AuNPs, while
TEM and DLS verified their nano-size. In addition, CTX loading onto AuNPs was confirmed by
FTIR. Furthermore, the colloidal stability of the synthesized C-AuNPs was ascribed to the higher net
negative surface charge of C-AuNPs. Most importantly, the synthesized C-AuNPs showed superior
antibacterial activity and lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against Gramnegative
(Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus
aureus) bacteria, compared with pure CTX. Collectively, CTX was successfully adopted, as reducing
and capping agent, to synthesize stable, nano-sized spherical C-AuNPs. Furthermore, loading CTX
onto AuNPs could efficiently restore and/or boost the antibacterial activity of CTX against resistant
Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
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