Antimicrobial effect of silver and gold nanoparticles in combination with linezolid on Enterococcus biofilm

  
Background and Objectives: In the past few years, application of new antimicrobial e.g. nanoparticles (NPs) to treat infec- tion caused by drug-resistantbacteria has increased. This study aimed to determine antimicrobial property of silver nanopar- ticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in combination with linezolid on Enterococcus biofilm. 
Materials and Methods: A total of forty-eight isolates of Enterococcus spp. were collected and confirmed by PCR method. The synthesis of biocompatibleAgNPs was performed, then analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission ElectronMicroscopy. We carried out minimum inhibitory concen- tration (MIC) and biofilm forming capacity of AgNPs and AuNPs with linezolid. 
Results: Twenty-two E. faecium isolates and twenty- six E. faecalis investigated in this study. Strong biofilm formation was seen in 12 (25%) of isolates, andothers isolates (75%) formed moderate biofilm. AgNPs and Au-NPs size were 26 nm and 20 nm respectively. The MIC of AgNPs was 23.2 μg/ml, and AuNPs were 92.1 μg/ml and the lowest MIC was obtained 2 μg/ml in linezolid. Biofilmformation inhibitory activity by AuNPs + Linezolide and AgNPs + Linezolide 70 to 80 percent increased in average. 
Conclusion: The antibiofilm activity of AgNPs and AuNPs increased when both agents were used in combination with linezolid in comparison with each agent alone.