Proteomic analysis of antimicrobial effects of pegylated silver coated carbon nanotubes in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

Authors: PARK, SEONG - Mississippi State University; STEADMAN, CHRISTY - Mississippi State University; CHAUDHARI, ATUL - Alabama State University; PILLAI, SHREEKUMAR - Alabama State University; SINGH, SHREE - Alabama State University; RYAN, PETER - Mississippi State University; WILLARD, SCOTT - Mississippi State University; FEUGANG, JEAN - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Journal of Nanobiotechnology (Biomed Central Open Access)
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/19/2018
Publication Date: 3/27/2018
Citation: Park, S., Steadman, C., Chaudhari, A., Pillai, S., Singh, S., Ryan, P., Willard, S., Feugang, J. 2018. Proteomic analysis of antimicrobial effects of pegylated silver coated carbon nanotubes in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (Biomed Central Open Access). http://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-018-0355-0.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-018-0355-0

Interpretive Summary: The detection of numerous bacteria in the livestock production chain is associated with critical animal and human health. The continuous emergence of bacteria with multidrug-resistance remains a global issue in veterinary medicine. Here we tested the antibacterial activity of a novel bio-compatible carbon-based nanoparticles on food-borne pathogens under a real-time bioimaging. Additionally, we evaluated the protein changes in bacteria exposed to nanoparticles. Overall, the obtained results provide molecule candidates that will allow molecular targeting for effective bacterial detection in livestock production.

Technical Abstract: Synthesis of silver nano-compounds with enhanced antimicrobial effects is of great interest for the development of new antibacterial agents. Previous studies have reported the antibacterial properties of pegylated silver-coated carbon nanotubes (pSWCNT-Ag) showing less toxicity in human cell lines. However, the mechanism underlining the pSWCNT-Ag as a bactericidal agent remained unfolded. Here we assessed the pSWCNT-Ag effects against foodborne pathogenic bacteria growth and proteome profile changes. Measurements of bioluminescent imaging, optical density, and bacteria colony forming units revealed dose-dependent and stronger bactericidal activity of pSWCNT-Ag than their non-pegylated counterparts (SWCNT-Ag). In ovo administration of pSWCNT-Ag or phosphate-buffered saline resulted in comparable chicken embryo development and growth. The proteomic analysis, using two-dimensional electrophoresis combined with matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight/time of flight mass spectrometry, was performed on control and surviving Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium to pSWCNT-Ag. A total of 15 proteins (ten up-regulated and five down-regulated) differentially expressed proteins were identified. Functional analyses showed significant reduction of proteins associated with biofilm formation, nutrient and energy metabolism, quorum sensing and maintenance of cell structure and cell motility in surviving S. Typhimurium. In contrast, proteins associated with oxygen stress, DNA protection, starvation, membrane rebuilding, and alternative nutrient formation were induced as the compensatory reaction. This study provides further evidence of the antibacterial effects of pSWCNT-Ag nanocomposites and knowledge of their mechanism of action through various protein changes. The findings may lead to the development of more effective and safe antimicrobial agents.