Antibacterial and anticancer activity of new nanocomposite against Acinetobacter baumannii

Kadhim, Hawraa J.; Radi, Nisreen K.; AL-Zuwaini, Sama J.; Almarzoqi, Ali H.; Al-Nafiey, Amer; Ibraheam, Israa A.; Ali, Hiyam A.; Al-Kaim, Hawraa W.; Abd Alsada, Farah F.; Anber, Hadeel M.; Obaid, Nagham M.

doi:10.21608/mb.2025.376429.1294

Antibacterial and anticancer activity of new nanocomposite against Acinetobacter baumannii

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Biology, College of Science for Women, University of Babylon, Iraq.

² Department of Laser, College of Science for Women, University of Babylon, Iraq.

³ Department of Microbiology, Hammurabi College of Medicine, University of Babylon, Iraq.

10.21608/mb.2025.376429.1294

Abstract

This study investigated a nanocomposite composed of chitosan, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide aimed to combat the drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria, which contributes to heal burn infections. This treatment was effective to cure burn infections. Additionally, this composite served as an anticancer agent. The study examined the interaction between metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO and TiO₂) and proteins associated with cancer. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated the adhesion of nanoparticles, as well as their blocking affinity (Ki), The RMSD sizes yielded the desired outcomes. The findings indicated a potential to inhibit the movement of other molecules. Real-time PCR was employed to assess expression levels of the fimH gene in Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from burn wounds treated at Hillah Hospital in Iraq. This study examined the role of metal oxide nanoparticles, especially ZnO and TiO₂, alongside cancer-related proteins, such as Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), in prostate cancer (PC3). The nanocomposite destroyed tumor cells. The nanocomposite significantly reduced fimH expression from 1.0125±0.18 to 0.0225±0.1. The optimal selective dosage of nanocomposite at 400 µg/mL resulted in 39.35±4.78%, while HdFn cells exhibited 71.9±0.8%. TiO₂ exhibited a greater affinity for FAK during molecular docking, as indicated by with free energy values of -8.46 kcal/mol. ZnO exhibited lower binding affinities of -4.67. The findings indicated that TiO₂ has the potential to inhibit cancer cell growth, requiring further investigation into its mechanisms and therapeutic applications. This process helps achieve the goal of sustainability in the industrial development.

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