ISSN : 2663-2187

ASSESSING THE ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF TRIPLE ANTIBIOTIC PASTE (TAP) AND NANO SILICA -ENHANCED TAP (TAP-N) AGAINST ENTEROCOCCUS FAECALIS: A TIME KILL CURVE ASSAY STUDY

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Shahul Hameed, S. Delphine Priscilla Antony, Dr Rajeshkumar Shanmugam
» doi: 10.33472/AFJBS.6.11.2024.1516-1524

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of a combination of three antibiotics, TAP (doxycycline, Flagyl, and ciprofloxacin), against the pathogenic bacterium E. faecalis, which is known to cause various human infections. The assessment was conducted through a time kill curve assay, a method that assesses the bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects of antimicrobial agents across different concentrations and time intervals. Additionally, the study incorporated the use of silica nanoparticles (nano-silica) as carriers for the antibiotics, with the hypothesis that this combination would enhance their antimicrobial effectiveness. Methods: The synthesis of nano-silica involved a gentle combination of ammonia, ethanol, water, and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) in a sterile conical flask. Subsequent centrifugation and drying were carried out to prepare the nano-silica. Silica nanoparticles were used as carriers for the Triple Antibiotics Paste.The time kill curve assay was performed by inoculating sterilized Muller Hinton broth with an overnight E. faecalis bacterial suspension, ensuring a bacterial concentration of approximately 5×105 CFU/mL. Test tubes were treated with different concentrations of TAP, nano-silica (NP), and the combination of NP with TAP (NP-TAP). The antimicrobial effects were evaluated at various time intervals (1hr, 2hr, 3hr, 4hr, and 5hr) by measuring the optical density at a wavelength of 600 nm using a spectrophotometer. A control group without treatment served as a baseline for comparison. Results: The time kill curve assay results revealed concentration-dependent and time-dependent inhibitory effects of TAP, NP, and NP-TAP on the growth of E. faecalis. As the concentration of TAP, NP, and NP-TAP increased, there was a more pronounced inhibition of microbial growth. Extended incubation time also enhanced the inhibitory effect of these antimicrobial agents, highlighting the time-dependent nature of their action. Comparing the three groups, NP-TAP exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis, with lower bacterial growth values observed at equivalent concentrations and time points. This suggests that the inclusion of silica nanoparticles may improve the delivery and effectiveness of TAP in combating bacterial infections.The control group consistently displayed higher microbial growth, underscoring the significance of TAP, NP, and NP-TAP in inhibiting bacterial proliferation. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that TAP, NP, and NP-TAP exhibit concentration-dependent and time-dependent inhibitory effects on the growth of E. faecalis. NP-TAP, the combination of silica nanoparticles and antibiotics, showed the most potent antimicrobial activity. These findings suggest the potential use of TAP and NP-TAP as effective agents for controlling E. faecalis infections. Further research is needed to explore their clinical applications and safety profiles. The use of nano-silica as a carrier for antibiotics offers a promising avenue for enhancing the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments.

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