In Vitro Studies of Nanoparticles as a Potentially New Antimicrobial Agent for the Prevention and Treatment of Lameness and Digital Dermatitis in Cattle

Abstract

Digital dermatitis (DD) is the second most prevalent disease in dairy cattle. It causes significant losses for dairy breeders and negatively impacts cows’ welfare and milk yield. Despite this, its etiology has not been entirely identified, and available data are limited. Antibiotic therapy is a practical method for managing animal health, but overuse has caused the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, leading to a loss in antimicrobial efficacy. The antimicrobial properties of metal nanoparticles (NPs) may be a potential alternative to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to determine the biocidal properties of AgNPs, CuNPs, AuNPs, PtNPs, FeNPs, and their nanocomposites against pathogens isolated from cows suffering from hoof diseases, especially DD. The isolated pathogens included Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Ochrobactrum intermedium I, Ochrobactrum intermedium II, Ochrobactrum gallinifaecis, and Actinomyces odontolyticus. Cultures were prepared in aerobic and anaerobic environments. The viability of the pathogens was then determined after applying nanoparticles at various concentrations. The in vitro experiment showed that AgNPs and CuNPs, and their complexes, had the highest biocidal effect on pathogens. The NPs’ biocidal properties and their synergistic effects were confirmed, which may forecast their use in the future treatment and the prevention of lameness in cows, especially DD.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial, Cytotoxic, and Physical Properties of Selected Nano-Complexes in Bovine Udder Inflammatory Pathogen Control

“…Nanoparticles have the ability to interact synergistically, allowing their complexes to exhibit stronger biocidal properties at lower concentrations than the higher concentrations of single nanoparticles. 28 This theory was confirmed in the studies by Kot et al, 42 as well as those performed by Lange et al, 27 and is also consistent with the results obtained in the current study. One of the main purposes of the conducted research, was to determine the biocidal properties of nanoparticles against mastitic pathogens.…”

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Properties of Nanoparticles as New Agents Used in Teat Sealants for Mastitis Prevention in Dry Cows

“…Hence, the average size of the agglomerates was higher for NP-FeCs than for AuNPs (342.9 nm vs. 148.3 nm, respectively). The physicochemical properties of AgNPs, AuNPs, and CuNPs, obtained from commercial sources have been confirmed in previous studies [ 13 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…Previous studies have revealed that NPs can be used in cases of several bovine diseases, for example, mastitis [ 13 ] and lameness [ 14 ]. This solution is also promising due to the fact that NPs do not negatively influence bovine mammary tissue [ 14 ].…”

“…Previous studies have revealed that NPs can be used in cases of several bovine diseases, for example, mastitis [ 13 ] and lameness [ 14 ]. This solution is also promising due to the fact that NPs do not negatively influence bovine mammary tissue [ 14 ]. Another important issue is whether it is possible to obtain high-quality NPs from commercial sources [ 13 , 14 ], which is an important factor in planning the further development of NP products.…”

“…This solution is also promising due to the fact that NPs do not negatively influence bovine mammary tissue [ 14 ]. Another important issue is whether it is possible to obtain high-quality NPs from commercial sources [ 13 , 14 ], which is an important factor in planning the further development of NP products. Studies using NPs in pre-milking and post-milking disinfectant products are limited, but in vitro experiments suggest that AgNPs and CuNPs can reduce pathogen viability by 50% [ 16 ].…”