Abstract
The surge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is leading to the loss of effectiveness of antibiotic treatment, resulting in prolonged infections and even death. Against this healthcare threat, antimicrobial nanoparticles that hamper the evolution of resistance mechanisms are promising alternatives to antibiotics. Herein, we used Kraft lignin, a poorly valorized polymer derived from plant biomass, to develop novel hybrid tellurium–lignin nanoparticles (TeLigNPs) as alternative antimicrobial agents. The sonochemically synthesized TeLigNPs are comprised of a lignin matrix with embedded Te clusters, revealing the role of lignin as both a reducing agent and a structural component. The hybrid NPs showed strong bactericidal effects against the Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, achieving more than 5 log bacteria reduction, while they only slightly inhibited the growth of the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Exposure of TeLigNPs to human cells did not cause morphological changes or reduction in cell viability. Studies on the antimicrobial mechanism of action demonstrated that the novel TeLigNPs were able to disturb bacterial model membranes and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in Gram-negative bacteria.
Highlights
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a naturally occurring phenomenon of bacteria to ensure their survival after exposure to drugs that would normally eliminate them or inhibit their growth
In the search for antibiotic alternatives against AMR bacteria, antimicrobial metal or metalloid NPs, whose mode of action circumvents the surge of resistance mechanisms, are of high interest for the development of novel antimicrobials
tellurium NPs (TeNPs) have emerged as promising antimicrobial agents
Summary
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a naturally occurring phenomenon of bacteria to ensure their survival after exposure to drugs that would normally eliminate them or inhibit their growth. The overuse of antibiotics, is exerting selective pressure on bacteria, favoring the surge of drugresistant strains. The effectiveness of antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections has rapidly decreased, resulting in prolonged illness and even death.[1] The US and Europe have already reached 35 and 25 thousand annual deaths, respectively, related to AMR.[2,3] If solutions are not found, the global number of deaths per year by 2050 will extend to a dramatic 10 million cases.[4] there is an urgent need to develop alternative and efficient antimicrobials to tackle microbial infections, while preventing the appearance of AMR
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
