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Thank you for attending THSNA 2026. The virtual meeting is now closed.
Presentation Details
| The Potential of Silver Nanoparticles as Antibacterial Agents in the Management of VTE Following Pre-Eclampsia Manasvi Kondamudi1, Aarav Keskar1, Atul Laddu1, Jawed Fareed2. 1Global Thrombosis Forum, Suwanee, GA, USA.2Loyola University, Chicago, IL, USA |
Abstract
Background: Silver has been used for centuries for its antimicrobial properties in food preservation, water purification, and infection prevention. With the development of nanotechnology, its potential has greatly expanded. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), owing to their nanoscale size and large surface area, exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity compared to bulk silver. These properties allow AgNPs to interact effectively with microbial cells, making them potent antimicrobial agents. AgNPs exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, even against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They act through disrupting bacterial cell membranes, generating reactive oxygen species, and interfering with DNA replication and protein synthesis. These multifaceted actions reduce the likelihood of resistance development, making AgNPs a promising alternative in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. This study explores the use of AgNPs in combating hospital-acquired infections in patients with preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition associated with immune dysregulation and increased infection risk that may result in VTE. Our research focuses on antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, which pose a significant challenge in clinical care. Objectives:
We investigated the efficacy of AgNPs as antimicrobial agents in managing infections among preeclampsia patients, particularly targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria commonly found in hospital environments. Methods: Silver nanoparticles (~20 nm) were synthesized using a chemical reduction method. Their antibacterial activity was tested using the disk diffusion method against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria. Various concentrations of AgNPs were tested alongside standard antibiotics. Synergistic effects were assessed by combining AgNPs with antibiotics. Results: AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity, with higher concentrations yielding larger zones of inhibition. Notably, they were particularly effective against antibiotic-resistant strains. When combined with antibiotics, AgNPs enhanced the antibacterial effect, especially against resistant bacteria. These findings suggest their potential as an adjunct to conventional treatments in infection management. Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles offer a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics, particularly amid the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Their ability to act through multiple antibacterial mechanisms makes them effective against a broad range of pathogens, including resistant strains. Our findings support the potential use of AgNPs to manage bacterial infections in preeclampsia patients at risk of VTE, for whom traditional treatments may be less effective. While results are encouraging, further research is necessary to evaluate long-term safety, toxicity, environmental impact, and regulatory considerations. Addressing these challenges is crucial before AgNPs can be widely implemented in clinical settings. If proven safe and effective, silver nanoparticles could play a key role in managing future infections in patients with preeclampsia who may develop VTE.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
We investigated the efficacy of AgNPs as antimicrobial agents in managing infections among preeclampsia patients, particularly targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria commonly found in hospital environments. Methods: Silver nanoparticles (~20 nm) were synthesized using a chemical reduction method. Their antibacterial activity was tested using the disk diffusion method against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria. Various concentrations of AgNPs were tested alongside standard antibiotics. Synergistic effects were assessed by combining AgNPs with antibiotics. Results: AgNPs showed significant antibacterial activity, with higher concentrations yielding larger zones of inhibition. Notably, they were particularly effective against antibiotic-resistant strains. When combined with antibiotics, AgNPs enhanced the antibacterial effect, especially against resistant bacteria. These findings suggest their potential as an adjunct to conventional treatments in infection management. Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles offer a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics, particularly amid the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Their ability to act through multiple antibacterial mechanisms makes them effective against a broad range of pathogens, including resistant strains. Our findings support the potential use of AgNPs to manage bacterial infections in preeclampsia patients at risk of VTE, for whom traditional treatments may be less effective. While results are encouraging, further research is necessary to evaluate long-term safety, toxicity, environmental impact, and regulatory considerations. Addressing these challenges is crucial before AgNPs can be widely implemented in clinical settings. If proven safe and effective, silver nanoparticles could play a key role in managing future infections in patients with preeclampsia who may develop VTE.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.