Study of the Antibacterial Action of Metal Nanoparticles on Clinical Strains of Gram-Negative Bacteria

Escherichia coli is among the most frequently encountered germs of purulent septic infections of various localizations. The E.coli strains tend to develop multiple resistance caused by the production of extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and carbapenemases. This dictates the necessity to search for new antimicrobial agents. In this respect, metal nanoparticles are promising candidates for the development of a new class of antibacterial agents. Metal nanoparticles are less toxic than ions, behave as biotics, have prolonged action and stimulate the micronutrient regulation mechanism and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. We studied experimentally the antibacterial action of nickel and titanium nanoparticles against clinical strains of E.coli. A clear-cut bactericidal action of ultradispersed nickel powder was identified. The dependences of the antimicrobial action of nickel nanoparticles on their concentration and exposure time were elucidated. Weak antibacterial activity of titanium nanoparticles with respect to multi-antibiotic resistant strains of E. coli was established. The antibacterial action of titanium nanoparticles does not depend on their concentration or exposure time. The obtained results provide prospects for further investigation of the antibacterial action of nickel nanoparticles to be used as antibacterial agent.