Self-assembled natural phytochemicals for synergistically antibacterial application from the enlightenment of traditional Chinese medicine combination

Abstract

The application of nanotechnology for antimicrobial delivery has capacity to improve antibacterial efficacy. Currently, the usage of various inorganic and organic carriers, such as metal ions, nano-silicon and surfactants, might increase the potential toxicity of nanoparticles and make their clinical transformation more difficult. Herein, a nano-delivery system was constructed by direct self-assembly of antibacterial phytochemicals (berberine and rhein) originated from traditional Chinese medicine Coptis chinensis Franch. and Rheum palmatum L., respectively. Combining X-ray single crystal diffraction, nuclear magnetic resonance and other spectra characterizations, the stacked structure of nanoparticles was profoundly demonstrated. Briefly, rhein acted as the layered backbone and berberine embedded in it. In vitro bacteriostasis experiment showed the minimum bactericidal concentration of nanoparticles was 0.1 μmol/mL, which was lower than that of berberine and rhein. The results of confocal laser scanning microscope, biofilm quantitive assay and scanning electron microscopy indicated that nanoparticles had strong inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. More importantly, transmission electron microscopy and mass spectra indicated the further bacteriostatic mechanism of nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the nanoparticles had well biocompatibility and safety. Current study will open up new prospect that the design of self-assemblies between active phytochemicals can be originated from traditional Chinese medicine combination.

Biomedical Applications of Chinese Herb-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles by Phytonanotechnology

“…They carry potential biosensor and drug carrier properties [ 122 ]. Recently, the self-assembled small-sized phytochemicals (berberine and rhein) nanoparticles derived from TCM without nano adjuvant have shown prominent antibacterial activity against the S. aureus biofilm [ 123 ]. The combinational or synergistic effect of Chinese herbal AgNPs has promising therapeutic properties for targeted drug delivery systems and other extensive medical applications [ 124 , 125 , 126 ], biosensors and detection for anticancer treatment [ 127 ], and bioimaging [ 128 ].…”

Multi-functional self-assembly nanoparticles originating from small molecule natural product for oral insulin delivery through modulating tight junctions

“…With the continuous development of supramolecular self-assembly technology, their application as a part of biomedically functional delivery vehicles has been proposed to construct in drug delivery system without any structural modification or organic solvent [ 22 , 23 ]. The delivery carriers produced by specific SMNPs not only have satisfactory safety but also have stimuli-sensitive characteristics to control the release of agents [ 24 ]. More importantly, SMNPs confer significant bioactive activities, which can further play a synergistic role to treat disease without the help of any additives [ 25 ].…”

Revealing the Toxicity-Enhancing Essence of Glycyrrhiza on Genkwa Flos Based on Ultra-high-performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled With Quadrupole-Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Self-Assembled Supramolecular Technology

“…Recently, supramolecular assemblies in traditional medicines have received more attention because they can improve treatment efficacy and reduce toxicity. Inspired by natural supramolecular assembly, our previous studies have found a variety of self-assembled supramolecular structures, including hydrogels ( Li et al, 2019 ) ( Li et al, 2019 ), nanoparticles/microparticles ( Tian et al, 2020 ), and crystals ( Huang et al, 2019 ), formed through various combinations of traditional medicines. Most recently, we found that glycyrrhizic acid can self-assemble with compounds in Genkwa Flos to form a kind of spherical supramolecular structure ( Genkwa Flos /glycrrrhizic acid self-assembled complex), which had not been detected in previous studies of their mechanism or chemical composition.…”