Preparation, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of Cubosome Encapsulated Metal Nanocrystals
Thomas G. Meikle, Brendan Dyett, Jamie Strachan, John White, Calum J. Drummond, Charlotte E. Conn
Abstract
O), and silver (Ag) nanocrystals, with prospective applications across a wide range of fields, including antimicrobial treatments. The resulting cubosomes are characterized using small-angle X-ray scattering and dynamic light scattering, demonstrating the retention of a typical cubic phase structure and particle size following nanocrystal encapsulation at concentrations up to 20% w/w. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy reveals significant loading and association of each nanocrystal type with both monoolein- and phytantriol-based cubosomes. The antibiotic potential of these hybrid nanoparticles is demonstrated for the first time; cubosomes with embedded silver nanocrystals display a high level of antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with observed minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 15.6-250 μg/mL. Lastly, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy is used to visualize cubosome-bacteria interactions, suggesting the involvement of particle interactions as a delivery mechanism.