Unlocking the potential of phenyl boronic acid functionalized-quercetin nanoparticles: Advancing antibacterial efficacy and diabetic wound healing

Abstract

This study investigates the novel application of Phenyl Boronic Acid Functionalized-Quercetin nanoparticles (PBA-Qt NPs) in the context of antibacterial and diabetic wound healing. The research reveals a multifaceted approach, encompassing physicochemical characterization, antioxidant activity, antibacterial potential, and wound healing efficacy. The purpose of the study was to improve wound healing and antibacterial effects of quercetin and its esterified nanoparticles with phenyl boronic acid (PBA–Qt) compared with phenytoin streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats as a model. PBA-Qt NPs were confirmed using TLC, SEM, and FTIR. They exhibited superior DPPH scavenging (84.2 ± 0.12 %) compared to PBA (59.00 ± 0.18 %) and quercetin (79.02 ± 0.17 %). PBA-Qt showed significant antimicrobial properties with ZOI against Gram-negative (30.34 ± 0.02) and Gram-positive bacteria (25.40 ± 0.03). The MIC for Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 1.41 ± 0.03 μg/100 μL, and for Staphylococcus aureus, it was 8.25 ± 0.02 μg/100 μL. The MBC against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was 4.33 ± 0.02 μg/100 μL, and for Staphylococcus aureus, it was 8.25 ± 0.02 μg/100 μL. PBA-Qt NPs reduced MIC for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria compared to quercetin. They enhanced wound healing by 60–99 % in infected diabetic rats, outperforming phenytoin. PBA-Qt NPs stimulated angiogenesis, tissue repair, and regeneration, improving wound closure. In diabetic and non-diabetic wounds, PBA-Qt NPs demonstrated superior wound contraction and granulation tissue formation. In conclusion, PBA-Qt nanoparticles are promising for treating diabetic chronic wounds due to reduced irritation and enhanced antibacterial and wound-healing properties.