Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Promote Antimicrobial Activity and Modulate Inflammation in Escherichia coli-Infected Wounds.

Abstract

Silver and gold nanoparticles promote antimicrobial activity and modulate inflammation in Escherichia coli-infected wounds. Seventy-two Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six experimental groups (n = 12). Epithelial wounds were induced and contaminated with E. coli, followed by topical treatment for 8 days. Treatment with Cur-Ag NPs, Cur-Au NPs, and Cur-Ag-Au NPs significantly increased wound contraction compared to the contaminated wound group (p < 0.05). The Cur-Ag-Au NPs group showed a marked reduction in inflammatory infiltrate, accompanied by a significant decrease in IL-1β levels (p < 0.05) and increased levels of IL-10 and TGF-β (p < 0.05). Oxidative stress parameters were significantly improved, with reduced nitrite levels (p < 0.05) and increased glutathione (GSH) levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, treated groups exhibited a significant reduction in E. coli colony-forming units between days 3 and 7 (p < 0.05), indicating antimicrobial activity. These findings demonstrate that biosynthesized AgNPs and AuNPs exert significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, contributing to enhanced tissue repair in infected wounds.