Upgrading the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of nanoruthenium via encapsulation by thiazolium ionic liquids-functionalized chitosan film

Targeting antimicrobial and antibiofilm applications, new thiazolium ionic liquid-functionalized low molecular weight chitosans (TLMCs) have been developed and used as reducing and encapsulating agents to create biofunctionalized nanoruthenium (RTLMCs) nanocomposites. The new materials were tested in vitro for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm performance against S. aureus and E. coli. The ability of new nanocomposites to synergistically inhibit bacterial multiplication and prevent biofilm development is substantial. The MIC values of RTLMC1 toward S. aureus and E. coli were 1.20 and 0.68 mu g/mL, respectively. In contrast, the MIC values of RTLMC2 against S. aureus and E. coli were 1.81 and 1.29 mu g/mL, respectively. According to SEM analysis, the superior activity of RTLMCs is attributed to their ability to damage the bacterial cell outer membrane, which allows internal contents to escape and eventually kills the organism. The antibiofilm experiments showed that RTLMCs not only inhibit bacterial cell adhesion to coated surfaces, thus avoiding the formation of biofilms, but also can kill cells in submerged cultures or in preexisting biofilms, as well. These outcomes indicate that RTLMCs are effective against bacteria, which suggests they could be used to avoid and eliminate bacterial biofilms.