Dual biopolymer-based nanoparticles for cordycepin delivery: A novel antibacterial strategy against MDR pathogens

The use of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) nanoparticles in the medical field has attracted considerable interest due to their excellent biocompatibility and versatility as drug delivery vehicles. Cordyceps militaris, renowned for its wide-ranging therapeutic effects, has emerged as a promising candidate in combating multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. This study focused on formulating two types of BSA-chitosan nanoparticles: one loaded with Cordyceps militaris extract (BECNPs) and the other with cordycepin (BCCNPs), aiming to counter MDR pathogens. Microscopic characterization revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical, with average sizes of approximately 12 nm for BECNPs and 28 nm for BCCNPs. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of the 50% methanol extract of Cordyceps militaris identified 47 bioactive constituents, with cordycepin (5.22%) being the predominant compound. The presence of cordycepin—well-known for its anti-cancer properties—was further confirmed through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The loading efficiencies of the extract and cordycepin were determined to be 52.56% and 62.07%, respectively. The zeta potential values, indicating nanoparticle stability, were +21.45?±?1.45 for BECNPs and +23.59?±?1.93 for BCCNPs. Antimicrobial activity tests against two MDR Gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis) and two Gram-negative strains (Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterobacter cloacae) showed promising results. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and zone of inhibition assays confirmed potent antibacterial effects, with the largest inhibition zone (19.7?±?0.38 mm) recorded against E. cloacae. Furthermore, biofilm inhibition and bacterial growth curve analyses demonstrated significant interference with biofilm development and microbial proliferation. Collectively, these findings suggest that BSA-chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Cordyceps militaris extract or cordycepin possess strong potential as novel antimicrobial agents and multifunctional drug carriers for future biomedical applications.

Annesha Roy is an active researcher with a strong background in biotechnology and nanotechnology. She completed her bachelor degree at Cotton College in Guwahati, Assam, India, where she laid the foundation for her scientific career. Annesha then pursued her master’s degree in biotechnology at St. Joseph’s College in Tamil Nadu, India, where she focused primarily on metal oxide nanoparticles, gaining significant expertise in this cutting-edge field. Currently, she is a research scholar at Sambalpur University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, where her passion for research continues to drive her work. Annesha has a prolific record of publications, including numerous research articles, book chapters, and scientific papers, showcasing her contributions to the scientific community and her dedication to advancing knowledge in her areas of interest.