Effective delivery of volatile biocides employing mesoporous silicates for treating biofilms

Journal article

Nanoparticulate delivery of biocides has the potential to decrease levels of exposure to non- target organisms, and miminise long-term exposure which can promote the development of resistance. Silica nanoparticles are an ideal vehicle since they are inert, biocompatible, biodegradable, and thermally and chemically stable. Encapsulation of biocides within nanoparticulates can improve their stability, longevity and maximize the biocidal potential of hydrophobic volatile compounds. Herein, we have shown that the plant secondary metabolites allyl isothiocyanate (AIT) and cinnamaldehyde (CNAD) demonstrated increased antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli in planktonic form, when packaged into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs). Furthermore, the biocide loaded nanoparticles showed activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms which have inherent resistance to antimicrobial agents. The delivery platform can also be expanded to traditional biocides and other nonconventional antimicrobial agents.

Authors: Chan, A; Bravo Cadena, M; Townley, H; Fricker, M; Thompson, I

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Royal Society
• Journal: Journal of the Royal Society Interface
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 126
• Publication date: 2017-01-11
• Acceptance date: 2016-12-06
• DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.0650
• EISSN: 1742-5662
• ISSN: 1742-5689
• Keywords: cinnamaldehyde; mesoporous silica nanoparticles; biocides; allyl isothiocyanate; planktonic bacteria; biofilms