Intrinsic atomic interaction at molecular proximal vicinity infer cellular biocompatibility of antibacterial nanopepper.

Fabrication of nanopepper (NP) for antibacterial application and elucidation of its molecular and cellular biocompatibility. Synthesis of NP was achieved using a high-energy ball milling method. Following characterization, its antibacterial activity and cellular and molecular biocompatibility were evaluated by experimental and computational approaches. A total of 15 h of milling pepper produced NP with a size of 44 ± 12 nm and zeta potential of -22 ± 12 mV. Bulk pepper and NP showed antibacterial activity and an LC of 1.9 μM and 2.1 μM in HCT116 colon cells. Components of pepper, piperine and β-caryophyllene were found to interact with superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] and apoptotic protease-activating factor-1-caspase-9 through different amino acids via H-bonds. NP exhibits significant antibacterial activity with cellular biocompatibility due to intrinsic atomic interaction. Fabrication of nanopepper (NP) for antibacterial application and elucidation of its molecular and cellular biocompatibility. Synthesis of NP was achieved using a high-energy ball milling method. Following characterization, its antibacterial activity and cellular and molecular biocompatibility were evaluated by experimental and computational approaches. A total of 15 h of milling pepper produced NP with a size of 44 ± 12 nm and zeta potential of -22 ± 12 mV. Bulk pepper and NP showed antibacterial activity and an LC of 1.9 μM and 2.1 μM in HCT116 colon cells. Components of pepper, piperine and β-caryophyllene were found to interact with superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] and apoptotic protease-activating factor-1-caspase-9 through different amino acids via H-bonds. NP exhibits significant antibacterial activity with cellular biocompatibility due to intrinsic atomic interaction.