Antibody‐Functionalized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles with Targeted Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO‐NPs) were functionalized with specific antibodies to target their antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive or Gram‐negative bacteria. The CuO‐NPs were covalently functionalized to cover their surface with specific antibodies. The differently prepared CuO‐NPs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The antibacterial activities of the unmodified CuO‐NPs and the antibody‐functionalized nanoparticles (CuO‐NP‐AbGram− and CuO‐NP‐AbGram+) were determined for both Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Bacillus subtilis bacteria. The antibody‐functionalized NPs showed a differential increase of their antibacterial activity according to the specific antibody. The CuO‐NP‐AbGram− in E. coli showed reduced half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values when compared with unfunctionalized CuO‐NPs. On the other hand, the CuO‐NP‐AbGram+ also showed reduced IC50 and MIC values in B. subtilis, when compared with non‐functionalized CuO‐NPs. Thus, the functionalized CuO nanoparticles with specific antibodies showed enhanced specificity of their antibacterial activity. The advantages of “smart” antibiotic nanoparticles are discussed.

Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Studies of Metal Oxides Coupled Nanocomposites

“…These binding energies exhibit notable shifts compared to those of pure CuO powder, specifically Cu 2p 3/2 = 933.7 eV and Cu 2p 1/2 = 953.6 eV. [50] These shifts suggest the presence of paramagnetic Cu 2 + species (formally 3d 9 ) as the predominant copper species in the samples. Furthermore, the presence of distinctive "shakeup" satellites, located 8 eV or more above the Cu 2p peaks, provides additional evidence supporting the dominance of paramagnetic Cu 2 + species.…”

“…However, some of the reports focused on investigating the antimicrobial activity of CuO NPs. [9][10][11] Notably, CuO is a more economical alternative to silver (Ag) and offers excellent compatibility with various metal oxides, non-metal oxides, and polymers. Shirsat et al underscore the significance of CuO NPs, citing their distinctive crystal morphologies and impressive surface areas as key attributes in antimicrobial applications.…”