Pulsed laser ablation of magnetic nanoparticles as a novel antibacterial strategy against gram positive bacteria

Nanotechnologies comprise approaches able to synthesize, manipulate and visualize matter at the nanometer scale offering numerous advantages, especially in the biomedical field. In particular, nanoparticles represent a promising tool in the medical field to overcome antimicrobial resistance, which represent current serious problem. Furthermore, nanoparticles use multiple mechanisms to target microorganisms, rendering difficult the development of antimicrobial resistance. In the present, we used a Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo) target, permanent magnet, to synthesize nanoparticles (Nps) by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid (PLAL). To evaluate their possible antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus mutans, we performed minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) essays. In addition we evaluated their ability to affect human keratinocyte cells viability. By time killing assay, we monitored bacterial growth after exposure to Nps-SmCo. PLAL is an innovative, cheap, fast and safe nanotechnology to allow the synthesis of small nanoparticles that could be exploited for applications as novel antimicrobials.