AccScience Publishing / GPD / Online First / DOI: 10.36922/gpd.2155
Submit to GPD
Cite this article
87
Download
1633
Views
Journal Browser
Volume | Year
Issue
Search
Forthcoming Issue
Current Issue
View All
News and Announcements
View All
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Exploring the “Carpenter” as a substrate for green synthesis: Biosynthesis and antimicrobial potential

Akamu J. Ewunkem1* ,  Zahirah J. Williams2 ,  Niore S. Johnson1 ,  Justice L. Brittany1 ,  Adesewa Maselugbo3 ,  Kyle Nowlin3
Show Less
1 Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Natural and Physical Sciences, Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
2 Department of Nursing, Faculty of Natural and Physical Sciences, Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
3 Department of Nanoscience, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
GPD 2023, 2(4), 2155 https://doi.org/10.36922/gpd.2155
Submitted: 1 November 2023 | Accepted: 27 November 2023 | Published: 29 December 2023
© 2023 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
Download PDF
Cite
XML
Abstract

The frequent use of antibiotics has created favorable conditions for bacteria to develop resistance. Bacterial resistance is a global health issue, causing at least 1 million deaths worldwide annually. The quest for new and effective antimicrobials with activities against resistant bacteria demands immediate attention. The use of nanoparticles as alternatives to conventional antibiotics may have the potential to combat bacterial resistance. Silver nanoparticles, in particular, have captivated the interest of most researchers by virtue of their broad-range antimicrobial activity against bacteria, stemming from their strong biocidal effect on microorganisms. Conventionally, silver nanoparticles have been synthesized through physical, chemical, and biological processes. However, the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from the wings of carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica), abundantly available in summer in the United States of America, is yet to be explored. In this study, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using wing extracts from X. virginica. Subsequently, the biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of the biosynthesized nanoparticles against two common Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria, namely, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcus aureus, using microdilution method. The study outcomes indicate that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from X. virginica wing extract demonstrated an absorption band at 440 nm, and SEM revealed spherical nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 20–60 nm. In addition, biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from the wings of X. virginica exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the tested bacteria, signifying their potential in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications.

Keywords
Carpenter bee
Xylocopa virginica
Nanoparticles
Antimicrobial
Bacteria
Green synthesis
Funding
Winston Salem State University
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
References
  1. Aminov RI, 2010, A brief history of the antibiotic era: Lessons learned and challenges for the future. Front Microbiol, 1: 134. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2010.00134

 

  1. Khan S, Hussain A, Attar F, et al., 2022, A review of the berberine natural polysaccharide nanostructures as potential anticancer and antibacterial agents. Biomed Pharmacother, 146: 112531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112531

 

  1. Murugaiyan J, Kumar PA, Rao GS, et al., 2022, Progress in alternative strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance: Focus on antibiotics. Antibiotics (Basel), 11(2): 200. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11020200

 

  1. Mahmoudi H, 2020, Bacterial co-infections and antibiotic resistance in patients with COVID-19. GMS Hyg Infect Control, 15: Doc35. https://doi.org/10.3205/dgkh000370

 

  1. Nwobodo DC, Ugwu MC, Anie CO, et al., 2022, Antibiotic resistance: The challenges and some emerging strategies for tackling a global menace. J Clin Lab Anal, 36: e24655. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcla.24655

 

  1. Daria S, Islam MR, 2022, Indiscriminate use of antibiotics for COVID-19 treatment in South Asian countries is a threat for future pandemics due to antibiotic resistance. Clin Pathol, 15. https://doi.org/10.1177/2632010X221099889

 

  1. Band VI, Weiss DS, 2019, Heteroresistance: A cause of unexplained antibiotic treatment failure? PLoS Pathogens, 15(6): e1007726. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1007726

 

  1. Flynn CE, Guarner J, 2023, Emerging antimicrobial resistance. Mod Pathol, 36: 100249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100249

 

  1. Stewart H, 2023, Alexander Fleming, antibiotic resistance, and relevant lessons for the mitigation of risk from advanced artificial intelligence.

 

  1. Baptista PV, McCusker MP, Carvalho A, et al., 2018, Nano-strategies to fight multidrug resistant bacteria-‘A battle of the titans’. Front Microbiol, 9: 1441. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01441.

 

  1. Kumar R, Aadil KR, Ranjan S, et al., 2020, Advances in nanotechnology and nanomaterials-based strategies for neural tissue engineering. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol, 57: 101617. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101617

 

  1. Munir MU, Ahmed A, Usman M, et al., 2020, Recent advances in nanotechnology-aided materials in combating microbial resistance and functioning as antibiotics substitutes. Int J Nanomedicine, 15: 7329–7358. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S265934

 

  1. Pasika SR, Bulusu R, Rao BV, et al., 2023, Nanotechnology for biomedical applications. In: Nanomaterials: Advances and Applications. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. p297–327.

 

  1. Wang L, Hu C, Shao L, 2017, The antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles: Present situation and prospects for the future. Int J Nanomed, 12: 1227–1249. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S121956

 

  1. Razavi M, Salahinejad E, Fahmy M, et al., 2015, Green chemical and biological synthesis of nanoparticles and their biomedical applications. In: Green Processes for Nanotechnology: From Inorganic to Bioinspired Nanomaterials. Germany: Springer. p207–235.

 

  1. Nadaroglu H, Güngör AA, İnce S. 2017, Synthesis of nanoparticles by green synthesis method. Int J Innov Res Rev, 1(1): 6–9.

 

  1. Aswathi VP, Meera S, Maria CA, et al, 2023, Green synthesis of nanoparticles from biodegradable waste extracts and their applications: A critical review. Nanotechnol Environ Eng, 8(2): 377–97.

 

  1. Singh J, Dutta T, Kim KH, et al., 2018, Green’synthesis of metals and their oxide nanoparticles: Applications for environmental remediation. J Nanobiotechnology, 16(1): 84. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-018-0408-4

 

  1. Alsammarraie FK, Wang W, Zhou P, et al., 2018, Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using turmeric extracts and investigation of their antibacterial activities. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces, 171: 398–405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.07.059

 

  1. Devi HS, Boda MA, Shah MA, et al., 2019, Green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using Platanus orientalis leaf extract for antifungal activity. Green Process Synth, 8(1): 38–45. https://doi.org/10.1515/gps-2017-0145

 

  1. Lahiri D, Nag M, Sheikh HI, et al., 2021, Microbiologically synthesized nanoparticles and their role in silencing the biofilm signaling cascade. Front Microbiol, 12: 636588. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.636588

 

  1. Elsakhawy T, Omara AE, Abowaly M, et al., 2022, Green synthesis of nanoparticles by mushrooms: A crucial dimension for sustainable soil management. Sustainability, 14(7): 4328. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074328

 

  1. Selvakesavan RK, Franklin G, 2021, Prospective application of nanoparticles green synthesized using medicinal plant extracts as novel nanomedicines. Nanotechnol Sci Appl, 14: 179–195. https://doi.org/10.2147/NSA.S333467

 

  1. Ajaykumar AP, Sabira O, Sebastian M, et al., 2023, A novel approach for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using the defensive gland extracts of the beetle, Luprops tristis Fabricius. Sci Rep, 13(1): 10186.

 

  1. Stavenga DG, 2023, Pigmentary colouration of hairy carpenter bees, genus Xylocopa. Naturwissenschaften, 110(3): 22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-023-01854-9

 

  1. Ivanova EP, Hasan J, Webb HK, et al., 2012, Natural bactericidal surfaces: Mechanical rupture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells by cicada wings. Small, 8(16): 2489. https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.201200528

 

  1. Jakinala P, Lingampally N, Hameeda B, et al., 2020, Insect wing extract: A novel source for green synthesis of nanoparticles of antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. bioRxiv, 2020-10. https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.10.21.348458

 

  1. Soni A, Brightwell G, 2022, Nature-inspired antimicrobial surfaces and their potential applications in food industries. Foods, 11(6): 844. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11060844

 

  1. Ewunkem AJ, A’lyiha FB, Justice BL, et al., 2023, Honeybee wings hold antibiofouling and antimicrobial clues for improved applications in health care and industries. AIMS Microbiol, 9(2): 332. https://doi.org/10.3934/microbiol.2023018

 

  1. Tszydel M, Sztajnowski S, Michalak M, et al., 2009, Structure and physical and chemical properties of fibres from the fifth larval instar of caddis-flies of the species Hydropsyche angustipennis. Fibres Text East Eur, 6(77): 7–12.

 

  1. Lateef A, Ojo SA, Azeez MA, et al., 2016, Cobweb as novel biomaterial for the green and eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Appl Nanosci, 6: 863–874. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-015-0492-9

 

  1. Jakinala P, Lingampally N, Hameeda B, et al., 2021, Silver nanoparticles from insect wing extract: Biosynthesis and evaluation for antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. PLoS One, 16(3): e0241729. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0241729

 

  1. Eloff JN, 1998, A sensitive and quick microplate method to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration of plant extracts for bacteria. Planta Med, 64: 711–713. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-957563

 

  1. Tian B, Liu Y, Chen D, 2021. Adhesion behavior of silica nanoparticles with bacteria: Spectroscopy measurements based on kinetics, and molecular docking. J Mole Liquids, 343: 117651. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117651

 

  1. Veerasamy R, Xin TZ, Gunasagaran S, et al., 2011, Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using mangosteen leaf extract and evaluation of their antimicrobial activities. J Saudi Chem Soc, 15(2): 113–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jscs.2010.06.004

 

  1. Mohanta YK, Nayak D, Biswas K, et al., 2018, Silver nanoparticles synthesized using wild mushroom show potential antimicrobial activities against food borne pathogens. Molecules, 23(3): 655. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23030655

 

  1. Farrag HM, Mostafa FA, Mohamed ME, 2020, Green biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Aspergillus niger and its antiamoebic effect against Allovahlkampfia spelaea trophozoite and cyst. Exp Parasitol, 219: 108031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108031

 

  1. Kagithoju S, Godishala V, Nanna RS, 2015, Eco-friendly and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Strychnos potatorum Linn. F. and their bactericidal activities. 3 Biotech, 5: 709–714.

 

  1. Pileni MP, 2000, Fabrication and physical properties of self-organized silver nanocrystals. Pure Appl Chem, 72(1–2): 53–65. https://doi.org/10.1351/pac200072010053

 

  1. Khatami M, Iravani S, Varma RS, et al., 2019, Cockroach wings-promoted safe and greener synthesis of silver nanoparticles and their insecticidal activity. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng, 42: 2007–2014.

 

  1. Jain D, Kachhwaha S, Jain R, et al., 2010, Novel microbial route to synthesize silver nanoparticles using spore crystal mixture of Bacillus thuringiensis. Indian J Exp Biol, 48: 1152–1156.

 

  1. Lim YH, Tiemann KM, Hunstad DA, et al., 2016, Polymeric nanoparticles in development for treatment of pulmonary infectious diseases. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Nanomed Nanobiotechnol, 8(6): 842–871. https://doi.org/10.1002/wnan.1401

 

  1. Makabenta JM, Nabawy A, Li CH, et al., 2021, Nanomaterial-based therapeutics for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Nat Rev Microbiol, 19(1): 23–36. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-020-0420-1

 

  1. Sayed FA, Eissa NG, Shen Y, et al., 2022, Morphologic design of nanostructures for enhanced antimicrobial activity. J Nanobiotechnol, 20(1): 1–18. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S246764

 

  1. Yin IX, Zhang J, Zhao IS, et al., 2020, The antibacterial mechanism of silver nanoparticles and its application in dentistry. Int J Nanomed, 2020: 2555–2562. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S246764

 

  1. More PR, Pandit S, Filippis AD, et al., 2023, Silver nanoparticles: Bactericidal and mechanistic approach against drug resistant pathogens. Microorganisms, 11(2): 369. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11020369

 

  1. Meikle TG, Dyett BP, Strachan JB, et al., 2020, Preparation, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of cubosome encapsulated metal nanocrystals. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 12(6): 6944–6954. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.9b21783

 

  1. Pazos-Ortiz E, Roque-Ruiz JH, Hinojos-Márquez EA, et al., 2017, Dose-dependent antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles on polycaprolactone fibers against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. J Nanomater, 2017: 4752314. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/4752314

 

  1. Malarkodi C, Rajeshkumar S, Paulkumar K, et al., 2013, Biosynthesis of semiconductor nanoparticles by using sulfur reducing bacteria Serratia nematodiphila. Adv Nano Res, 1: 83. https://doi.org/10.12989/anr.2013.1.2.083

 

  1. Dakal TC, Kumar A, Majumdar RS, et al., 2016, Mechanistic basis of antimicrobial actions of silver nanoparticles. Front Microbiol, 7: 1831. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01831

 

  1. Durán N, Fávaro WJ, Alborés S, et al., 2023. Biogenic silver nanoparticles capped with proteins: Timed knowledge and perspectives. J Braz Chem Soc, 34: 897–905. https://doi.org/10.21577/0103-5053.20230062

 

  1. Hamouda RA, Abd El-Mongy M, Eid KF, 2019, Comparative study between two red algae for biosynthesis silver nanoparticles capping by SDS: Insights of characterization and antibacterial activity. Microb Pathog, 129: 224–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2019.02.016

 

  1. Khorrami S, Zarrabi A, Khaleghi M, et al., 2018, Selective cytotoxicity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles against the MCF-7 tumor cell line and their enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Int J Nanomedicine, 13: 8013–8024. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S189295

 

  1. Liao C, Li Y, Tjong SC, 2019, Bactericidal and cytotoxic properties of silver nanoparticles. Int J Mole Sci, 20(2): 449. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20020449
Share
Back to top
Gene & Protein in Disease, Electronic ISSN: 2811-003X Published by AccScience Publishing
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here
Accept