Experimental confirmation of antimicrobial effects of GdYVO:Eu nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology can be applied to design antibacterial agents to combat antibiotic resistance. The aim of the present study was to assess the antimicrobial effects and cytotoxicity of GdYVO:Eu nanoparticles (NPs). Biofilm inhibition activity, antimicrobial activity, bacterial viability inhibition and DNA cleavage activity of GdYVO:Eu NPs were studied. In addition, the impact of GdYVO:Eu NPs on the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) of host immune cells and, hence, their apoptosis was analyzed by JC-1 staining using flow cytometry. GdYVO:Eu NPs demonstrated good antimicrobial, cell viability inhibition and DNA cleavage activities. In addition, GdYVO:Eu NPs showed good biofilm inhibition activity against s and and inhibition percentages were 89.15% and 79.54%, respectively. However, GdYVO:Eu NPs promoted mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis of leukocytes at high concentrations. GdYVO:Eu nanoparticles are promising antibacterial agents. However, more efforts should be exerted to ensure their safety.