Antivirulence activities of Rutin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles against pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Abstract Background Staphylococcus aureus is an infectious bacterium that is frequently found in healthcare settings and the community. This study aimed to prepare rutin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Rut-CS NPs) and assess their antibacterial activity against pathogenic strains of S. aureus. Results The synthesized Rut-CS NPs exhibited an amorphous morphology with a size ranging from 160 to 240 nm and a zeta potential of 37.3 mV. Rut-CS NPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus strains. Following exposure to Rut-CS NPs, the production of staphyloxanthin pigment decreased by 43.31–89.63%, leading to increased susceptibility of S. aureus to hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, visual inspection of cell morphology indicated changes in membrane integrity and permeability upon Rut-CS NPs exposure, leading to a substantial increase (107.07–191.08%) in cytoplasmic DNA leakage in the strains. Furthermore, ½ MIC of Rut-CS NPs effectively inhibited the biofilm formation (22.5–37.5%) and hemolytic activity (69–82.59%) in the S. aureus strains. Conclusions Our study showcases that Rut-CS NPs can serve as a novel treatment agent to combat S. aureus infections by altering cell morphology and inhibiting virulence factors of S. aureus.

Keywords

• Rut-CS NPs
• Staphyloxanthin
• Cytoplasmic leakage
• Membrane integrity
• Biofilm