Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that contributes to treatment failure due to its strong biofilm-forming ability and multidrug resistance (MDR). This study intended to assess the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract against MDR-P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. Methods: 128 clinical specimens were collected from patients who were receiving medical care in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Clinical specimens were cultured and analyzed using standard biochemical tests to identify P. aeruginosa. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed for identify MDR isolate. Biofilm production was evaluated with a microtiter plate technique through safranin staining. AgNPs were synthesized from an aqueous extract of G. glabra root. The antibacterial activity was assessed by a well diffusion test, and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined using microdilution in 96-well plates. AgNPs were tested for their capacity to inhibit and eradicate biofilms. Results: Thirty-four (26.6%) isolates were identified as P. aeruginosa, of which 26 (76.5%) exhibited MDR. Among these MDR isolates, 80.7% exhibited robust biofilm formation, 11.5% moderate, 3.8% weak, and 3.8% produced no biofilm. AgNPs demonstrated inhibition zones measuring 17 mm in 1500 µg/mL, and MIC values between 62.5 and 500 µg/mL. At a concentration of 500 µg/mL, AgNPs exhibited 97% biofilm inhibition and 85% eradication. Conclusion: AgNPs derived from G. glabra root extract shown significant antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates. These findings demonstrate their potential as alternative therapeutic agents for the management of MDR-P. aeruginosa infections.
Ahmed et al. (Wed,) studied this question.