The effects of the combined use of carbon quantum dots and antibacterial agents on pathogenic bacteria
Turkish Journal of Biology, cilt.49, sa.6, ss.728-737, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus, TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 49 Sayı: 6
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.55730/1300-0152.2774
- Dergi Adı: Turkish Journal of Biology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.728-737
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Composite carbon quantum dots, quantum dots, antibiotic resistance, antibacterial activity, teicoplanin, synergism
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background/aim: This study evaluates the challenges associated with overcoming antimicrobial resistance and innovative approaches to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. Materials and methods: Novel codoped carbon quantum dots (CCQDs) were synthesized using citric acid as the carbon source and L-cysteine as the nitrogen codoping atom. The formulation in which citric acid was retained was designated as CCQDs-1, whereas the purified version, from which citric acid was removed, was termed CCQDs-2. The antibacterial properties of CCQDs-1 and CCQDs-2 were compared using the agar well diffusion method. This study comprehensively characterizes these nanomaterials and evaluates their antibacterial potential, both alone and in combination with antibiotics, against a spectrum of gram-positive (G+) and gram-negative (G‒) bacterial strains. Results: The study demonstrates the significant antibacterial efficacy of CCQDs, with notable variations observed between citric acid-containing and citric acid-neutralized formulations. The QDs exhibited remarkable characteristics, including a quantum yield of 90.3%– 90.6%, intense fluorescence, and distinctive interactions with various antibiotics. In addition to their intrinsic antibacterial activity, the QDs also exhibited synergistic effects when combined with certain antibiotics. A synergistic effect was particularly observed when CCQDs-2 were combined with antibiotics such as gentamicin, levofloxacin, and clindamycin, suggesting potential mechanisms such as membrane permeability disruption and efflux pump saturation. Conclusion: These findings underscore the promising potential of carbon-based QDs as innovative, biocompatible solutions to address the critical global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.