Sonication-based Nanosuspension Formation of Microbial Extract to Assess Their Antibacterial Properties

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a significant public health concern worldwide, necessitating the development of alternative antibacterial agents. In this context, the use of secondary metabolites derived from natural sources is gaining attention as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics. However, the poor solubility and bioavailability of these compounds limit their clinical use. Nanoparticle formation of secondary metabolites is a promising approach to overcome these limitations, enabling their efficient delivery and targeted action against bacterial pathogens. In this study, we develope a nanoformulation of secondary metabolites with antibacterial properties against WHO-listed priority pathogens using a sonication probe. The nanosuspension is synthesized by combining the secondary metabolites with a biocompatible polymer and is sonicated using a probe sonicator to achieve a uniform nanoparticulate suspension. The resulting nanosuspension is characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The antibacterial properties of the nanosuspension are examined against selected WHO-listed priority pathogens using the zone-inhibition method and by calculating their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The results demonstrate the potent antibacterial effect of nanosuspension against the tested bacterial strains. Additionally, the nanosuspension shows improved solubility, stability, and bioavailability of the secondary metabolites, which are essential factors for their clinical applications. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of sonication probe-assisted nanoparticle formation as an effective approach for the delivery of secondary metabolites with antibacterial properties against priority pathogens. The findings of this study provide a promising avenue for the advancement of novel antibacterial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.