Research Paper
Microbiology
Seyyed Soheil Shekarabi; Seyyedeh Mahdokht Maddah; Golaleh Mostafavi
Abstract
Background: Nowadays, the rise of antibiotic resistance in bacteria has led to an increased interest in using plant-based products, particularly nanoemulsions loaded with plant extract, which tend to have fewer side effects. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial effects of a nanoemulsion derived ...
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Background: Nowadays, the rise of antibiotic resistance in bacteria has led to an increased interest in using plant-based products, particularly nanoemulsions loaded with plant extract, which tend to have fewer side effects. This study aims to evaluate the antibacterial effects of a nanoemulsion derived from an endemic species Nepeta binaludensis, specifically focusing on its impact on the expression of the esp and vanA genes in the Gram-positive opportunistic bacteria Enterococcus faecalis. Methods: The ethanolic extract of this species was obtained using the maceration technique. The antibacterial properties of the silver nanoemulsion extract were assessed through an antibiogram test and the MIC microplate method. The expression levels of the esp and vanA genes were measured using Real-time PCR. Findings: The inhibition zone diameter with the silver nanoemulsion of the extract (16.9-17.1 mm) was larger than that observed with the silver nanoparticles and the crude plant extract. The silver nanoemulsion loaded with the extract produced the lowest concentrations of MBC (160 µg /ml), MIC (80 µg /ml), and Sub MIC (40 µg /ml). Additionally, the expressions of the esp and vanA genes exhibited a significant reduction compared to the control group under this treatment. Conclusion: The silver nanoemulsion infused with N. binaludensis extract appears to play a significant role in combating E. faecalis bacteria, and it can be used instead of the common antibiotics in the near future.
