A Master’s thesis in the Department of Biology has investigated the efficacy of green-synthesized selenium nanoparticles against biofilm-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates obtained from burn and wound infections. The study represents a scientific effort to explore promising biological and nanotechnological approaches for combating bacterial infections and addressing challenges associated with persistent and difficult-to-treat wounds.
The thesis, entitled “Efficacy of Green-Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles Against Biofilm-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Burn and Wound Infections,” was prepared by Master’s student Fatima Hussein Jabbar under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Suad Khalil Ibrahim.
The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of both the alcoholic extract of Qarn Al-Ghazal milk (ETE) and selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized using the ETE extract (Et.SeNPs) against biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa. It also investigated the effects of these treatments on the expression of two genes associated with biofilm formation, gacA and pslA.
The research involved the collection of clinical specimens from patients with wound and burn infections, followed by the isolation and identification of P. aeruginosa strains. The VITEK-2 system was employed for bacterial identification. The study also included antibiotic susceptibility testing of the bacterial isolates, phenotypic detection of biofilm production using the Microtiter Plate (MTP) method, and molecular detection of the biofilm-associated genes gacA and pslA.
On the nanotechnology side, the research focused on the green biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles (Et.SeNPs) using the alcoholic Qarn Al-Ghazal milk extract. The synthesized nanoparticles were subsequently characterized using a range of specialized instruments and analytical techniques to determine their physicochemical properties.
The study further evaluated the effects of selenium nanoparticles and the alcoholic extract on biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa isolates. Their ability to inhibit biofilm formation was assessed using the MTP method, while their effects on the expression of gacA and pslA were also investigated to provide insights into the potential molecular mechanisms underlying their activity against bacterial biofilm formation.
The significance of the research lies in its focus on a clinically important bacterial pathogen. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is capable of forming biofilms, which can enhance bacterial persistence in wound and burn environments and may reduce the effectiveness of conventional antimicrobial treatments. In this context, the use of green nanotechnology for the biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles represents a promising research direction that integrates biotechnology and nanotechnology in the search for potential approaches to control biofilm-associated infections.
The study is closely aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-Being, as it contributes to scientific research addressing infectious diseases and health challenges associated with wound and burn infections. It also supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, particularly through the application of biotechnology, molecular biology, and green nanotechnology in innovative scientific research.
The thesis examination committee comprised Professor Dr. Sawsan Hassan Othman as Chair, with Assistant Professor Dr. Hind Hussein Obaid, Lecturer Dr. Susan Abdul-Rahim Hassan, and Assistant Professor Dr. Suad Khalil Ibrahim serving as committee members.
The research reflects the growing role of modern technologies, particularly green nanotechnology and molecular biology, in addressing medically significant microbial challenges. It also highlights the potential of interdisciplinary scientific approaches to support innovation and contribute to the development of more sustainable strategies for combating bacterial infections and biofilm-associated health challenges.
