Antibacterial and biofilm inhibition of Helicobacter pylori using green synthesized MWCNTs/ZnO/Chitosan nanocomposites

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori, a Gram-negative bacterium, is a major cause of gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Its biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in patients make it difficult for  treatment. This study concerned the synthesis and antibacterial and antibiofilm evaluation of MWCNTs/ZnO/Chitosan nanocomposite against H. pylori. Green synthesis methods were used to develop the nanocomposite based on the formation of ZnO nanoparticles and the functionalization of MWCNTs. The XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR characteristics revealed the structural stability and the successful integration of ZnO, MWCNTs, and chitosan into the composite. The results indicated that the MIC values for ZnO nanoparticles ranged from 25 to 50 μg/mL, while those for chitosan were above 100 μg/mL. Additionally, the MWCNTs/ZnO/Chitosan nanocomposite exhibited the lowest MIC values, with 12.5 μg/mL for H. pylori clinical isolate 1 and 25 μg/mL for H. pylori clinical isolate 2 and H. pylori ATCC 43504 strains. MIC tests showed that the nanocomposite had better antibacterial activity, therefore having lower MIC values than normal antibiotics like metronidazole (MNZ) and clarithromycin (CLR) as well as its components. ZnO-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), chitosan's bacterial membrane interaction, and MWCNTs part in improved nanoparticle distribution and mechanical biofilm disturbance all contributed to the antimicrobial mechanisms. The research points out the MWCNTs/ZnO/Chitosan nanocomposite as a hopeful solution for antibiotic-resistant H. pylori bacteria causes further in vivo experiments and medical uses rest on its synergistic antibacterial activity and ability to disrupt biofilms. These results emphasize the promise of nanotechnology in creating novel therapies to fight ongoing bacterial infections.