One Pot Synthesis of Gentamicin Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles as an Efficient Antibacterial Agent

Abstract

In the present study, we report a simple, robust, and eco-friendly one pot synthesis of gentamicin conjugated gold nanoparticles (G-GNPs), where gentamicin behaves dually as a reducing as well as a stabilizing agent. The resultant nanoparticles were characterized through different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and found to be almost spherical in shape with hydrodynamic diameter of ~ 15 nm along with excellent stability. The antibacterial potential was evaluated by well diffusion assay and showed that G-GNPs effectively inhibit the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria viz. Escherichia coli DH5α, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 3160 (p < 0.05). Results also revealed that G-GNPs exhibit excellent antibacterial activity as compared with pure gentamicin, interestingly G-GNPs also showed excellent activity against gentamicin resistant Escherichia fergusonii ATCC 35469. A sustained release of gentamicin molecules from nanoparticles was observed. Furthermore, when we tested the effect of G-GNPs on mouse myoblast C2C12 cell line, G-GNPs exhibited minimal cytotoxicity. Consequently, the developed G-GNPs can be considered as safe based on minimal cytotoxicity of G-GNPs, and hold a great potential against gram-positive, gram-negative and drug resistance bacteria.