Linalool loaded on glutathione-modified gold nanoparticles: a drug delivery system for a successful antimicrobial therapy

Abstract

In the present study, antimicrobial activity of Linalool loaded on Glutathione-modified Gold nanoparticles prepared by novel method was investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Linalool-gold nanoparticles (LIN-GNPs) against Gram's positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Gram's negative bacteria Escherichia coli, and against Leishmania tropica. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized using the chemical method. Colour change, UV–Vis spectrum, FTIR and SEM confirmed the characterization of gold nanoparticles and LIN-GNPs. The antibacterial study was including agar well diffusion method, MIC, MBC. The mode of action was determined by cellular material release assay, SEM and AO/EtBr for ROS detection. Anti-parasitic activity was evaluated using MTT assay. FTIR spectral analysis investigated that Linalool was loaded on gold nanoparticles. SEM showed that the Gold nanoparticles and LIN-GNPs were generally found to be spherical in shape and the size was ranged 5–11 nm for GNPs and 15–20 nm for LIN-GNPs. The results of antibacterial activity demonstrated that Linalool alone had low activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. While the results showed that gram-positive bacteria were more effective by LIN-GNPs. LIN-GNPs acted on the bacterial cell membrane, resulting in loss of integrity and increased permeability of cell wall and stimulated ROS production that leads to damage of bacterial nucleic acid. The anti-parasitic activity results indicated the high activity of LIN-GNPs on L. tropica compared with Linalool and Gold nanoparticles. These results proved that LIN-GNPs have great potential as antimicrobial activity and could be used as a developing strategy for a successful antimicrobial therapeutic agent.