Determination of the Synergistic Effect of Nanoparticle Zinc + Zinc Borate Compounds in a Bacterial Infection Model on HepG2 Liver Cell Line

Abstract

Introduction: Health-care associated infections are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity globally, including in our country. Antibiotic resistance in microorganisms causing nosocomial infections has led to the search for alternative antimicrobials. For this purpose, we aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of zinc nanoparticles and zinc borate components against resistant microorganisms causing hospital-acquired infections. Materials and Methods: Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of zinc nanoparticles and zinc borate compounds were determined and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) values were evaluated in a combination study. After creating the HepG2-bacterial infection model, the effects of zinc nanoparticles and zinc borate components were examined in terms of cytotoxic and antioxidant activity. Results: At a fractional inhibition concentration of 31.25 µg/mL for zinc nanoparticles and 62.5 µg/mL for zinc borate, the strongest synergistic effect was detected on Klebsiella pneumoniae. The additive effect was observed most strongly on Escherichia coli at a concentration of zinc NP 500 µg/mL + zinc borate 500 µg/mL. It was determined that zinc borate was effective against the Klebsiella pneumonia strain at lower doses than other bacteria. When ranking cell line viability from low to high in the bacterial infection model, the order identified was Klebsiella, MRCNS, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, MRSA, E. coli. Conclusion: The results obtained show that zinc nanoparticles and zinc borate compounds are promising in terms of antimicrobial activity. The synergy between these two components is particularly effective against MRSA and Klebsiella bacteria.

Keywords

• zinc borate
• zinc nanoparticle
• hepg2 cell
• minimum inhibition concentration
• synergistic effect