Need for novel, innovative strategies for developing antibiotics is becoming a necessity due to an increasing number of micro-organismal threats. We report the development of ampicillin encapsulated gold nanoparticles that possess highly effective, dose dependant antibacterial activity. Our method for synthesizing Amp-GNPs is an entirely eco-friendly, single step reaction taking place within an aqueous buffer. We have tested the antibacterial activity of Amp-GNPs against multiple strains of bacteria, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative, and have found Amp-GNPs to be highly efficient against all tested strains. Comparing the antibacterial activity of Amp-GNPs to ampicillin it has been determined Amp-GNPs are more potent, requiring lower concentrations in mg/mL to effectively impede bacterial growth. Examining the mechanism of Amp-GNPs antibacterial activity it was determined Amp-GNPs disrupt the bacterial cells membrane through physical interaction, completely lysing bacterial cells. The antibiotic GNPs are revolutionary for the fields of biomedicine and are undoubtedly part of future nanomedicine.

Ampicillin encapsulated gold nanoparticles as antimicrobial drug carriers

245th National Meeting (2013)

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