Evaluation of Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Anti-Biofilm, and Anti-Cancer Potential of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Against Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae

Muhammad  Noman; Syed Muhammad  Daniyal; Muhammad Zeeshan  Arshad; Mukhtiar  Ali; Naba  Aslam; Bisma  Waheed; Zahra  Kalim; Maryam  Shahzadi

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v6i9.2009

Authors

Muhammad Noman Medical Lab Sciences (MLS), Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, The University of Faisalabad (TUF), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Syed Muhammad Daniyal Medical Lab Sciences (MLS), Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, The University of Faisalabad (TUF), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Muhammad Zeeshan Arshad Medical Lab Sciences (MLS), Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, The University of Faisalabad (TUF), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Mukhtiar Ali Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan
Naba Aslam Medical Lab Sciences (MLS), Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, The University of Faisalabad (TUF), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Bisma Waheed Medical Lab Sciences (MLS), Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, The University of Faisalabad (TUF), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Zahra Kalim Department of Allied Health Sciences/ Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan
Maryam Shahzadi Madina College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Faisalabad (TUF), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i9.2009

Keywords:

Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Antibacterial Activity, Anti-Biofilm, Antioxidant, Anticancer, Multidrug Resistance

Abstract

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae has intensified the global demand for alternative therapeutic agents. Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) possess promising antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, making them potential candidates for addressing resistance-related challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-biofilm, and anticancer activities of MgO-NPs against MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-biofilm, and anticancer activities of MgO-NPs against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates. Methods: A laboratory-based experimental study was conducted from February to July 2025 at The University of Faisalabad, in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology, Government College University Faisalabad. Three MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates (K.p1, K.p2, K.p3) were tested. Antibacterial activity was determined using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods for MIC and MBC estimation. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated via the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Anti-biofilm potential was assessed using crystal violet microtiter plate assays, and anticancer efficacy was tested on HepG2 liver carcinoma cells using the MTT assay. All experiments were conducted in triplicate, and data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0 with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: MgO-NPs demonstrated strong, dose-dependent antibacterial effects against MDR K. pneumoniae isolates, with maximum zones of inhibition of 34 mm at 2 mg/mL and MIC values ranging from 125–250 µg/mL. MBC/MIC ratios of 2 confirmed bactericidal activity. Biofilm inhibition reached 88.9% at 1 mg/mL, while pre-established biofilm reduction exceeded 80% across isolates. The DPPH assay revealed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, achieving 65.3 ± 1.2% radical scavenging at 200 µg/mL, compared to 93.4% for ascorbic acid. MTT assays indicated significant cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, with 76.5 ± 2.4% cell death at 500 µg/mL concentration, confirming potent anticancer potential. Conclusion: MgO nanoparticles exhibited significant antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-biofilm, and anticancer activities, highlighting their potential as broad-spectrum bioactive agents. Their bactericidal and cytotoxic effects suggest a promising role in managing MDR bacterial infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. Further in vivo studies are recommended to validate their safety and therapeutic efficacy for clinical application, particularly in regions with high antibiotic resistance such as Pakistan.

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