The need for innovative antimicrobial agents has become increasingly urgent due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and the persistent threat of infections acquired during hospital stays.
Traditional antibiotics and antiseptics are often ineffective against these resilient microorganisms, leading to severe health complications and increased healthcare costs. Therefore, researchers are exploring alternative solutions that can effectively target and eliminate these harmful pathogens. A promising development is the creation of an intelligent “nanokiller” derived from a component of cinnamon essential oil, which offers a novel approach to combating these microbial threats.
A team of researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) and the CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomaterials y Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN) has harnessed the antimicrobial properties of cinnamaldehyde, a key component of cinnamon essential oil, to develop this innovative nanodevice. Their findings, published in the journal Biomaterials Advances, demonstrate the significant potential of this nanokiller in addressing various pathogenic microorganisms.
The newly developed nanodevice has shown remarkable efficacy against several dangerous pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. These pathogens are responsible for a range of infections, from foodborne illnesses and wastewater contamination to serious nosocomial infections. The ability to effectively eliminate these pathogens could revolutionise infection control in various settings, including healthcare facilities, food processing, and environmental management.
Escherichia coli, while typically harmless, includes strains that can cause severe abdominal cramps, acute diarrhoea, and vomiting. Staphylococcus aureus can lead to skin infections, bloodstream infections, osteomyelitis, and pneumonia. Candida albicans, a common fungus, is notorious for causing diseases such as candidemia and invasive candidiasis. The versatility of the nanokiller in targeting these diverse microorganisms highlights its potential as a comprehensive antimicrobial agent.
The team from the IDM-CIBER NanoSens group has outlined the practical applications of this nanokiller. “For example, we could create a spray, make a formulation based on water and other compounds, and apply it directly. We could make a water-based formulation in the field and spray it directly, like any pesticide today. And in hospitals, it could be applied on bandages, and we could even try to make a capsule that could be taken orally,” explains Andrea Bernardos, a researcher in the NanoSens group at the Inter-University Institute for Molecular Recognition Research and Technological Development (IDM).
The nanodevice’s efficacy is significantly higher compared to free cinnamaldehyde. The encapsulated form is approximately 52 times more effective against Escherichia coli, 60 times more effective against Staphylococcus aureus, and 7 times more effective against Candida albicans. This improvement is attributed to the reduced volatility of cinnamaldehyde when encapsulated in a porous silica matrix and the increased local concentration of the compound when released in the presence of microorganisms.
“The increase in the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil component is possible thanks to the decrease in its volatility due to its encapsulation in a porous silica matrix and the increase in its local concentration when released due to the presence of the microorganisms,” says Bernardos.
One of the most notable advantages of this nanokiller is its high antimicrobial activity at very low doses. The nanodevice enhances the properties of free cinnamaldehyde, reducing the biocidal dose by approximately 98% for bacterial strains (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and 72% for the yeast strain (Candida albicans).
“Moreover, this type of device containing natural biocides (such as essential oil components) whose release is controlled by the presence of pathogens could also be applied in fields such as biomedicine, food technology, agriculture, and many others,” concludes Ángela Morellá-Aucejo, also an IDM researcher at the Universitat Politècnica de València.
The development of this intelligent nanokiller represents a significant step forward in the fight against antibiotic-resistant pathogens and nosocomial infections. Its potential applications across various industries underscore the importance of continued research and innovation in antimicrobial technologies. By leveraging the natural properties of essential oils and advanced nanotechnology, this new approach could pave the way for more effective and sustainable antimicrobial strategies.
Author:
Kate Sivess-Symes
Content Producer and Writer
News
Turning Off Nerve Signals: Scientists Develop Promising New Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Pancreatic cancer reprograms nerve cells to fuel its growth, but blocking these connections can shrink tumors and boost treatment effectiveness. Pancreatic cancer is closely linked to the nervous system, according to researchers from the [...]
New human antibody shows promise for Ebola virus treatment
New research led by scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) reveals the workings of a human antibody called mAb 3A6, which may prove to be an important component for Ebola virus therapeutics. [...]
Early Alzheimer’s Detection Test – Years Before Symptoms Appear
A new biomarker test can detect early-stage tau protein clumping up to a decade before it appears on brain scans, improving early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Unlike amyloid-beta, tau neurofibrillary tangles are directly linked to cognitive decline. Years [...]
New mpox variant can spread rapidly across borders
International researchers, including from DTU National Food Institute, warn that the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has the potential to spread across borders more rapidly. The mpox virus [...]
How far would you trust AI to make important decisions?
From tailored Netflix recommendations to personalized Facebook feeds, artificial intelligence (AI) adeptly serves content that matches our preferences and past behaviors. But while a restaurant tip or two is handy, how comfortable would you [...]
Can AI Really Think? Research Reveals Gaps in Logical Execution
While AI models can break down problems into structured steps, new research reveals they still fail at basic arithmetic and fact-checking—raising questions about their true reasoning abilities. Large Language Models (LLMs) have become indispensable [...]
Scientists Just Made Cancer Radiation Therapy Smarter, Safer, and More Precise
Scientists at UC San Francisco have developed a revolutionary cancer treatment that precisely targets tumors with radiation while sparing healthy tissues. By using a KRAS-targeting drug to mark cancer cells and attaching a radioactive [...]
Superbugs Are Losing to Science, Light, and a Little Spice
Texas A&M researchers have found that curcumin, when activated by light, can weaken antibiotic-resistant bacteria, restoring the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. Curcumin: A Surprising Ally Against Superbugs In 2017, a woman admitted to a [...]
New Research Shatters the Perfect Pitch Myth
For decades, people believed absolute pitch was an exclusive ability granted only to those with the right genetics or early music training. But new research from the University of Surrey proves otherwise. It’s been [...]
Why Some Drinkers Suffer Devastating Liver Damage While Others Don’t
A study from Keck Medicine of USC found that heavy drinkers with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a large waistline are up to 2.4 times more likely to develop advanced liver disease. These conditions may amplify [...]
“Good” Cholesterol Could Be Bad for Your Eyes – New Study Raises Concerns
‘Good’ cholesterol may be linked to an increased risk of glaucoma in individuals over 55, while, paradoxically, ‘bad’ cholesterol may be associated with a lower risk. These findings challenge conventional beliefs about factors that [...]
Reawakening Dormant Nerve Cells: Groundbreaking Neurotechnology Restores Motor Function
A new electrical stimulation therapy for spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) has shown promise in reactivating motor neurons and improving movement. In a pilot clinical trial, three patients who received spinal cord stimulation for one [...]
AI’s Energy Crisis Solved? A Revolutionary Magnetic Chip Could Change Everything
AI is evolving at an incredible pace, but its growing energy demands pose a major challenge. Enter spintronic devices—new technology that mimics the brain’s efficiency by integrating memory and processing. Scientists in Japan have [...]
Nanotechnology for oil spill response and cleanup in coastal regions
(Nanowerk News) Cleaning up after a major oil spill is a long, expensive process, and the damage to a coastal region’s ecosystem can be significant. This is especially true for the world’s Arctic region, [...]
The Role of Nanotechnology in Space Exploration
Nanotechnology, which involves working with materials at the atomic or molecular level, is becoming increasingly important in space exploration. By improving strength, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and radiation resistance, nanotechnology is helping create lighter, more [...]
New Study Challenges Beliefs About CBD in Pregnancy, Reveals Unexpected Risks
CBD is gaining popularity as a remedy for pregnancy symptoms like nausea and anxiety, but new research suggests it may not be as safe as many believe. A study from McMaster University found that [...]
