Synthesis of oleic acid coated iron oxide nanoparticles and its role in anti-biofilm activity against clinical isolates of bacterial pathogens

• Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesized using a solvothermal method.
• IONPs were coated with oleic acid (OA) and characterized.
• OA@IONPs anti-biofilm activity against the bacteria was reported.
• Further, anti-biofilm activity was enhanced using an external magnetic field.

In the present study, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesized using the solvothermal method. The surface of the IONPs was modified with oleic acid (OA) and its role in anti-biofilm activity against clinical isolates of bacterial pathogens was studied. The physiochemical properties of OA-IONPs were characterized using vibrating sample magnetometer, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. The biofilm inhibitory effect of OA-IONPs was tested against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The OA-IONPs showed a potent biofilm inhibitory effect in the case of Gram-positive bacteria and a less significant effect in Gram-negative bacteria. Further, enhanced biofilm inhibition was achieved against both the bacteria using external magnetic target and confirmed using fluorescence microscopy. In conclusion, OA-IONPs can be used as an effective surface modifier for biomaterials to prevent biofilm formation.

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