Rifampicin conjugated silver nanoparticles: a new arena for development of antibiofilm potential against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae

Background: Infections caused by drug resistant bacteria are a major health concern worldwide and have prompted scientists to carry out efforts to overcome this challenge. Researchers and pharmaceutical companies are trying to develop new kinds of antimicrobial agents by using different physical and chemical methods to overcome these problems. Materials and methods: In the present study, rifampicin conjugated silver (Rif-Ag) nanoparticles have successfully been synthesized using a chemical method. Characterization of the nanoparticles was performed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and AFM. Results: The AFM, SEM, and TEM results showed that the average particle size of Rif-Ag nanoparticles was about 15-18 +/- 4 nm. The FTIR spectra revealed the conjugation of -NH2 and -OH functional moiety with silver nanoparticles surface. Considering the penetrating power of rifampicin, the free drug is compared with synthesized nanoparticle for antimicrobial, biofilm inhibition, and eradication potential. Synthesized nanoparticles were found to be significantly active as compared to drug alone. Conclusion: This study has shown greater biofilm inhibitory and eradicating potential against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, as evident by crystal violet, MTT staining, and microscopic analysis. So, it will be further modified, and studies for the mechanism of action are needed.