Fighting Stomach Bacteria with Broccoli, Chitosan, and Selenium Nanoparticles

Jenn Hoskins
19th September, 2024

Fighting Stomach Bacteria with Broccoli, Chitosan, and Selenium Nanoparticles

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Kafrelsheikh University developed a new method using biocidal nanocomposites to combat H. pylori infections
  • The nanocomposites, made from broccoli seed mucilage and selenium nanoparticles combined with chitosan, showed strong anti-H. pylori activity
  • The most effective nanocomposite formulation could attach to and destroy H. pylori cells within 10 hours, offering a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that infects about half of the global population and is a significant cause of stomach cancer and other gastric diseases[2]. Traditional antibiotic treatments are increasingly ineffective due to rising antibiotic resistance[3]. This has driven researchers to explore alternative treatments, including the use of medicinal plants and their compounds[2]. A recent study by Kafrelsheikh University has introduced an innovative approach using biocidal nanoformulations to control H. pylori[1]. The study utilized mucilage from broccoli seeds (Brassica oleracea var. italica) to biosynthesize selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). These nanoparticles were then combined with chitosan nanoparticles (NCT) to create bioactive nanocomposites aimed at suppressing H. pylori. Broccoli seed mucilage (MBS) effectively generated and stabilized SeNPs with an average diameter of 13.61 nm, while NCT had an average diameter of 338.52 nm and a positive charge of +39.62 mV. To ensure the effectiveness of the nanocomposites, the researchers used infrared analysis to verify the cross-linkages between NCT, MBS, and SeNPs. They created three different ratios of NCT to MBS/SeNPs: 1:2 (T1), 1:1 (T2), and 2:1 (T3), with mean diameters of 204, 132, and 159 nm, respectively. The study found that all these nanomaterials exhibited potent anti-H. pylori activities through various assaying methods. Among them, the T2 nanocomposite was the most effective, showing minimal inhibitory concentrations of 0.08-0.10 mg/L and inhibition zones of 25.9-27.3 mm. Using scanning microscopy, the researchers observed that the nanocomposites could attach to bacterial cells, disrupt their membranes, and completely lyse them within 10 hours. This direct physical interaction with bacterial cells is a significant advantage over traditional antibiotics, which often face resistance due to the bacteria's ability to mutate and survive[3]. The study's findings are promising, particularly in light of previous research highlighting the antimicrobial activity of various plant extracts and phyto-compounds against H. pylori[2]. For instance, compounds like curcumin and allicin have shown effectiveness against drug-resistant strains of H. pylori by inhibiting bacterial enzymes and reducing oxidative stress[2]. The new nanocomposite approach builds on these findings by offering a more targeted and efficient way to eradicate the bacteria. The rise in antibiotic resistance among H. pylori strains has been a significant concern globally, with varying resistance trends observed across different countries[3]. The innovative use of nanocomposites could be a game-changer in this context, providing a new tool to combat resistant strains and improve eradication rates. In conclusion, the study from Kafrelsheikh University presents a novel and effective approach to controlling H. pylori infections using biocidal nanocomposites. By leveraging the antimicrobial properties of selenium and chitosan nanoparticles, this method offers a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics, particularly in the face of rising drug resistance. This research not only expands on previous findings regarding plant-based treatments but also opens new avenues for tackling one of the most common and challenging bacterial infections worldwide.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of nanocomposites from chitosan/broccoli mucilage/selenium nanoparticles.

Published 17th September, 2024

Journal: Scientific reports

Issue: Vol 14, Issue 1, Sep 2024

Related Studies

2) A new approach against Helicobacter pylori using plants and its constituents: A review study.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105594

3) Evolution of Helicobacter pylori Resistance to Antibiotics: A Topic of Increasing Concern.

https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12020332


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