Experimental confirmation of antimicrobial effects of GdYVO 4 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles.

Nanotechnology can be applied to design antibacterial agents to combat antibiotic resistance. The aim of the present study was to assess the antimicrobial effects and cytotoxicity of GdYVO 4 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles (NPs). Biofilm inhibition activity, antimicrobial activity, bacterial viability inhibition and DNA cleavage activity of GdYVO 4 :Eu 3+ NPs were studied. In addition, the impact of GdYVO 4 :Eu 3+ NPs on the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ M ) of host immune cells and, hence, their apoptosis was analyzed by JC-1 staining using flow cytometry. GdYVO 4 :Eu 3+ NPs demonstrated good antimicrobial, cell viability inhibition and DNA cleavage activities. In addition, GdYVO 4 :Eu 3+ NPs showed good biofilm inhibition activity against S. aureu s and P. aeruginosa and inhibition percentages were 89.15% and 79.54%, respectively. However, GdYVO 4 :Eu 3+ NPs promoted mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis of leukocytes at high concentrations. GdYVO 4 :Eu 3+ nanoparticles are promising antibacterial agents. However, more efforts should be exerted to ensure their safety.