Due to the prevalence of toxin producing S. aureus, there is a great demand to sequester their growth without using antibiotics. In order to overcome such health associated problem, nanotechnology was depended, Silver nanoparticles were biologically synthesized in optimized conditions using food origin Salmonella. Several studies have reported the production of hemolysins by S. aureus strains isolated from food sources. In agreement with the results of this study, a study by Juwita et al. (2022) investigated the hemolysin production in S. aureus strains isolated from dairy products and human, and found that a significant proportion of the isolates produced hemolysin. The production of hemolysins by S. aureus strains of food origin has been associated with their ability to cause foodborne illnesses. For example, a study by Rekhif et al. (2021) demonstrated that the presence of alpha-hemolysin and beta-hemolysin in S. aureus isolates from food samples was significantly correlated with their cytotoxicity towards human intestinal cells, indicating their potential role in food poisoning.
Understanding the production of hemolysins by S. aureus strains of food origin is crucial for food safety management. Detection and monitoring of hemolysin production can serve as an important indicator of the virulence potential of S. aureus strains in food samples, and can help in implementing appropriate control measures to prevent foodborne illnesses. For example, several studies have highlighted the importance of good hygiene practices, such as proper hand washing, sanitation, and temperature control, in preventing the contamination of food with S. aureus strains that produce hemolysins (Jamali et al., 2020; Valeriano et al., 2021).
The worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance has magnified the persistent infections due to biofilm producing bacteria. This form of life (biofilm) sophisticated the situation. All the above mentioned truths propels the researchers to take the duty of finding an alternative way to treat antibiotic resistant biofilm producer toxigenic isolates of S. aureus.
Silver nanoparticles have emerged as a promising antimicrobial agent due to their unique properties and broad-spectrum activity against various microorganisms. Several recent studies have demonstrated the potent antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi and viruses. For example, a study by Rai et al. (2019) showed that silver nanoparticles exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The silver nanoparticles were found to disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria, leading to cell death. Another study by Natan et al. (2020) demonstrated that silver nanoparticles exhibited antiviral activity against a broad range of viruses, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), influenza virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), by inhibiting viral entry and replication. Moreover, silver nanoparticles have been used in various applications, such as wound dressings, catheters, and coatings for medical devices, to prevent infections due to their antimicrobial properties (Pulit-Prociak et al., 2021). Silver nanoparticles have also been explored in food packaging materials, water treatment, and textiles for their antimicrobial effects (Birla et al., 2021). However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action, toxicity, and long-term effects of silver nanoparticles for safe and effective applications.
Recent research has also shown that silver nanoparticles exhibit promising antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including clinical strains that produce hemolysins (Jena et al., 2021; Sarwar et al., 2020). Hemolysin-producing S. aureus strains are known to cause severe infections in humans, including foodborne illnesses, skin and soft tissue infections, and systemic infections. Silver nanoparticles have been found to effectively inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of hemolysin-producing S. aureus, and their antimicrobial activity is believed to be mediated through various mechanisms, such as disruption of cell membrane integrity, interference with cellular metabolism, and generation of reactive oxygen species (Gurunathan et al., 2020; Rajkowska et al., 2021). Furthermore, silver nanoparticles have been shown to possess low toxicity towards human cells, making them a potential candidate for antimicrobial applications in food safety and clinical settings. Therefore, incorporating silver nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents in food packaging materials or in clinical settings could potentially complement existing measures to prevent the growth and dissemination of hemolysin-producing S. aureus strains, thereby reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and clinical infections. Further research in this area is warranted to fully explore the potential of silver nanoparticles for controlling hemolysin-producing S. aureus in various settings and to determine their safety and efficacy under different conditions. The mechanisms of action of silver nanoparticles against S. aureus include disruption of cell membrane integrity, interference with cellular metabolism, and generation of reactive oxygen species (Gurunathan et al., 2020; Rajkowska et al., 2021).
The production of hemolysins by S. aureus strains of food origin has been well-documented in recent research, highlighting the potential risk of foodborne illnesses associated with these virulence factors. Proper hygiene practices, antimicrobial stewardship, and regular monitoring of S. aureus isolates from food sources are crucial for minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses caused by hemolysin-producing S. aureus strains.