Work

DNA-Templated Silver Nanoclusters Demonstrate Potent Antimicrobial Activity Against the Clinically Relevant Pathogens, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Antimicrobial resistance is growing among the causative agents of bacterial meningitis, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which trigger detrimental neuroinflammatory responses within the central nervous system. Here, we evaluated the antimicrobial potential of DNA-templated and stabilized silver nanoclusters (AgNCs). AgNCs were templated on a single hairpin (HP) or fibrous hairpin structures (HP-F). HP-F provided higher local concentrations of AgNCs, when compared to HP, and exhibited stable physicochemical properties and potent antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, at low silver concentrations, AgNCs restricted bacterial survival and reduced inflammatory responses in microglia without causing cytotoxicity, supporting further development of AgNCs as therapeutics for meningitis.

Source: ACS Applied Bio Materials

DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.5c02143

Authors: Krishna J. Majithia, Elizabeth Skelly, Kirill A. Afonin, M. Brittany Johnson

Institution: University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Language: English

Topic: Nanocluster Synthesis and Applications

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500