Scientists Harness Bacteria for Drug Production

An interdisciplinary research team, including scientists from Saratov State Medical University (SSMU) named after V.I. Razumovsky, has proposed a novel approach to treating hospital-acquired infections using silver nanoparticles generated by soil bacteria. Their findings were published in the Saratov Scientific Medical Journal.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a highly dangerous microorganism known for its widespread drug resistance, poses a significant threat in healthcare settings, as highlighted by SSMU experts.

Maria Kupryashina, Deputy Director for Science and Technology at SSMU`s Institute of Pharmacy, Preventive Medicine, and Biomedicine, explained that silver nanoparticles are recognized as effective agents against microbes due to silver`s well-known disinfectant properties.

Collaborating with colleagues from the Saratov Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, researchers at SSMU discovered that the soil bacterium Azospirillum brasilense naturally produces silver nanoparticles suitable for combating Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Kupryshina elaborated: “Initially, we found that bacteria of the genus Azospirillum could bio-synthesize nanoparticles of various metals from substances in their environment. We then decided to investigate if these azospirilla could create silver particles valuable for clinical applications. It turned out to be a viable method for drug production, and crucially, unlike existing physicochemical techniques, it avoids the use of substances toxic to humans and the environment.”

She added that the azospirilla-based process yielded particles ranging from 6 to 35 nanometers. A preparation derived from these nanoparticles demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against both laboratory and clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Over the past two decades, Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a leading cause of nosocomial infections, particularly in patients recovering from surgery, those with chronic illnesses, and individuals in intensive care, burn, and trauma units, according to SSMU.