Multidrug resistance (MDR) in bacteria is a critical
global health
challenge that is exacerbated by the ability of bacteria to form biofilms.
We report a combination therapy for biofilm infections that integrates
silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) into polymeric biodegradable nanoemulsions
(BNEs) incorporating eugenol. These Ag-BNEs demonstrated synergistic
antimicrobial activity between the AgNCs and the BNEs. Microscopy
studies demonstrated that Ag-BNEs penetrated the dense biofilm matrix
and effectively disrupted the bacterial membrane. The Ag-BNE vehicle
also resulted in more effective silver delivery into the biofilm than
AgNCs alone. This combinacional system featured disruptionof biofilms
by BNEs and enhanced delivery of AgNCs for synergy to provide highly
efficient killing of MDR biofilms.