Dual effects of β-cyclodextrin-stabilised silver nanoparticles: enhanced biofilm inhibition and reduced cytotoxicity

The composition and mode of synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) can affect interaction with bacterial and human cells differently. The present work describes the ability of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to inhibit biofilm growth and reduce cytotoxicity. Biofilm formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis CSF 41498 was quantified by a crystal violet assay in the presence of native and capped AgNPs (Ag-10CD and Ag-20CD), and the morphology of the biofilm was observed by scanning electron microscope. The cytotoxicity of the AgNPs against HaCat cells was determined by measuring the increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species and change in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Results indicated that capping AgNPs with β-CD improved their efficacy against S. epidermidis CSF 41498, reduced biofilm formation and their cytotoxicity. The study concluded that β-CD is an effective capping and stabilising agent that reduces toxicity of AgNPs against the mammalian cell while enhancing their antibiofilm activity.