Journal Article Epublish
PubMed: 40430850 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17050556
Colistin-Conjugated Selenium Nanoparticles: A Dual-Action Strategy Against Drug-Resistant Infections and Cancer.
Pharmaceutics 17(5)
Authors: Mais E Ahmed, Kholoud K Alzahrani, Nedal M Fahmy, Hayfa Habes Almutairi, Zainab H Almansour, Mir Waqas Alam
Affiliations
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Jadriya, Baghdad 10071, Iraq.
- Department of Biology, University College of Umluj, University of Tabuk, Umluj 71491, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 380, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Physics, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract
Background/Objective: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and therapy-resistant cancer cells represent major clinical challenges, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This study explores the use of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and colistin-conjugated selenium nanoparticles (Col-SeNPs) as a dual-function nanotherapeutic against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, antifungal-drug-resistant Candida spp., and human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells. Methods: SeNPs were synthesized and characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirming their nanoscale morphology, purity, and stability. Results: The antimicrobial activity of SeNPs and Col-SeNPs was assessed based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bacterial viability assays. Col-SeNPs exhibited enhanced antibacterial effects against P. aeruginosa, along with significant downregulation of the mexY efflux pump gene, which is associated with colistin resistance. Additionally, Col-SeNPs demonstrated superior antifungal activity against Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and C. krusei compared to SeNPs alone. The anticancer potential of Col-SeNPs was evaluated in MCF-7 cells using the MTT assay, revealing dose-dependent cytotoxicity through apoptosis and oxidative stress pathways. Although MCF-7 is not inherently drug-resistant, this model was used to explore the potential of Col-SeNPs in overcoming resistance mechanisms commonly encountered in cancer therapy. Conclusions: these findings support the promise of Col-SeNPs as a novel approach for addressing both antimicrobial resistance and cancer treatment challenges. Further in vivo studies, including pharmacokinetics and combination therapies, are warranted to advance clinical translation.
MeSH
Cells, Microscopy, Atomic Force, Colistin, Nanoparticles, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Neoplasms, Microscopy, Electron, Microscopy, Therapeutics, Infections