Interactions between gamma-aminobutyric capped silver nanoparticles and large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) and their antimicrobial activities

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) and bacterial virulence pose significant challenges to global health. Nanotechnology offers exciting possibilities for developing innovative strategies to combat these issues. This study investigates the synergistic effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to address antibiotic resistance and bacterial virulence. We report the synthesis and characterization of GABA-coated AgNPs (GABAAgNPs) using UV–VIS and infrared spectroscopies, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The interaction between GABAAgNPs and model membranes (large unilamellar vesicles, LUVs) was assessed, revealing the formation of liposomal-bound GABAAgNPs (LPGABAAgNPs). Antimicrobial activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 demonstrated that LPGABAAgNPs exhibit enhanced antibacterial efficacy compared to free GABAAgNPs. These findings suggest that liposomal delivery of GABAAgNPs is a promising approach for optimizing their antibacterial properties. Moreover, incorporating GABA into the nanoparticle system offers the potential to modulate bacterial virulence, providing a multifaceted strategy to combat infection.