Alkaloid rich hydroponic chili for AgNPs synthesis against multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus infected burn wounds

Abstract

Hydroponic plant cultivation is expected to replace soil cultivation owing to an increased plant yield and rapid turnover. A number of medicinal plants have been successfully grown in hydroponic system. Effect of hydroponic cultivation on phytochemical content of medicinal plants needs to be investigated for efficient phytomedicine production. Herein, we quantify the bioactive compounds of medicinal importance in hydroponic and soil grown chili for green silver nanoparticles (AgNP) based formulation preparation. The end product has been evaluated as an alternate treatment for skin and soft tissue infections caused by Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDRSA). Comparable phytochemical profile of soil grown chili extract (CESoil) and hydroponically grown chili extract (CEHydro) for increased production of plant sourced medicinally important compounds has been studied. Stable phytosynthesized CE NPs, confirmed by UV visible spectroscopy (UV) Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, showed enhanced anti-MDRSA activity in vitro with MIC and MBC at 0.312 and 0.625 mg/ml respectively. Hydrogel based CE NPs formulation successfully eliminated burn wound MDRSA infection in vivo while also regenerating the skin. Enhanced CE NPs activity in vitro and in vivo suggests their potential use in combating AMR infections that can further be evaluated in clinical trials.