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Gene & Protein in Disease Carpenter bee a substrate for green synthesis

the surfaces, revealing their antimicrobial activity against Funding
these tested microbes. The interaction between silver
nanoparticles and microbes typically occurs through The study was supported by the DC Research Grant
electrostatic attraction and the affinity of silver ions to (211444) from Winston Salem State University.
sulfur- and/or phosphorus-containing compounds in Conflict of interest
bacterial cells [45,46] . Our data indicate that Gram-negative
bacteria were more sensitive to biosynthesized silver The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
nanoparticles, corroborating the findings in other studies.
This heightened sensitivity in Gram-negative bacteria Author contributions
is attributed to their thick lipopolysaccharide layer and Conceptualization: Akamu J. Ewunkem
thin peptidoglycan layer in the cell wall [47,46]. In contrast, Formal analysis: Akamu J. Ewunkem
Gram-positive bacterial cells, characterized by thin Investigation: Akamu J. Ewunkem, Zahirah J. Williams,
lipopolysaccharide layers and thick peptidoglycan layers Niore S. Johnson
in their cell wall, demonstrated reduced sensitivity. This Methodology: All authors
finding suggests that the thick peptidoglycan layers may Writing – original draft: Akamu J. Ewunkem,
limit the uptake of silver nanoparticles [47,48] . Writing – review & editing: Akamu J. Ewunkem, Zahirah J.
Silver nanoparticles exhibit high effectiveness against Williams, Justice L. Brittany
a broad spectrum of microbes. However, the exact Ethics approval and consent to participate
mechanisms underlying their antimicrobial potential
are still under investigation . Recent studies suggest Not applicable.
[49]
that on binding to bacterial surfaces, silver nanoparticles
can readily release silver ions, thereby increasing the Consent for publication
permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane and disrupting Not applicable.
cellular components [50-52] . The disruption of bacterial cell
walls and membranes can result in morphological changes Availability of data
in bacterial cells [53,54] . The advantageous combination of a The data that support the findings of this study are available
high surface area and small size, particularly in the case on request from the corresponding author.
of spherical nanoparticles, facilitates a more rapid release
of silver ions, consequently enhancing antimicrobial References
effects . Carpenter bees are known for excavating holes
[44]
into woods to create galleries for their eggs and larvae. Our 1. Aminov RI, 2010, A brief history of the antibiotic era:
data demonstrate that the “carpenter” is also a substrate Lessons learned and challenges for the future. Front
Microbiol, 1: 134.
for green synthesis, which shows potential antimicrobial
activity. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2010.00134
2. Khan S, Hussain A, Attar F, et al., 2022, A review of the
5. Conclusion berberine natural polysaccharide nanostructures as potential
In this study, we explored an eco-friendly and rapid, anticancer and antibacterial agents. Biomed Pharmacother,
green approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles 146: 112531.
using the wings of carpenter bees, X. virginica wings. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112531
The silver nanoparticles biosynthesized from carpenter 3. Murugaiyan J, Kumar PA, Rao GS, et al., 2022, Progress in
bees demonstrated effectiveness against K. pneumonia, alternative strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance:
E. coli, M. luteus, and S. aureus, suggesting the potential Focus on antibiotics. Antibiotics (Basel), 11(2): 200.
application of this approach in the production of https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics11020200
nanomedicines.
4. Mahmoudi H, 2020, Bacterial co-infections and antibiotic
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Control, 15: Doc35.
The authors are grateful to the Department of Biological
Sciences and the Department of Clinical Science at https://doi.org/10.3205/dgkh000370
Winston Salem State University, as well as the Joint 5. Nwobodo DC, Ugwu MC, Anie CO, et al., 2022, Antibiotic
School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, for all the resistance: The challenges and some emerging strategies for
suggestions and support. tackling a global menace. J Clin Lab Anal, 36: e24655.

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2023) 7 https://doi.org/10.36922/gpd.2155