Hesperidin Loaded N-carbon Nanoparticles as Nano-carrier for Enhanced Bactericide Activity Against Resistant E. coli

Nanocarriers are an emerging technology for targeted payload delivery in several fields of application, including the development of nanotherapeutics and diagnostic devices. These drugs-loaded nanoparticles have the advantages of small size, large surface area, specificity, selectivity, and capability for controlled drug release. However, carbon nanoparticles (CNPs), especially N-functionalized carbon frameworks, are not widely used for drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, or targeting specific cells or tissues, despite their promising biocompatibility, excellent solubility, and low toxicity properties. Herein, hesperidin-loaded N-carbon nanoparticles (N-CNPs) were prepared by thermal carbonization of starch suspension and chitosan mediated by phosphoric acid. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR, AFM, and fluorimeter. The bactericidal potential of hesperidin-loaded CNPs was studied against sensitive and multidrug-resistance bacteria strains using Tetrazolium microplate assay. The result of the FTIR analysis revealed bands at 3470 cm − 1 , 3407 cm − 1 and 2416 cm − 1 suggesting the presence of hydrophilic groups. UV-vis spectra showed characteristic peaks at 226 and 283 nm for carbon nanoparticles, which implies narrow sizing, while AFM analysis revealed spherical morphology with an average size of 55 nm. The N-CNPs emitted greenish-yellow luminescence (520 nm). Hemolysis assay with human hemoglobin shows that the as -prepared N-CNPs are biocompatible. An increased bactericidal activity of hesperidin was observed against tested bacteria strains. Results suggest the potential of N-carbon nanoparticles as an effective vehicle to deliver hesperidin for improved bactericidal activity.