Application of quercetin and its bio-inspired nanoparticles as anti-adhesive agents against Bacillus subtilis attachment to surface

The aim of this study was directed to reveal the effect of quercetin and its bio-inspired titanium oxide and tungsten oxide nanoparticles on adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation of Bacillus subtilis. Glass slides were coated with nanoparticles to create an anti-adhesive surface against bacteria. Nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using sol-gel and acid precipation methods for titanium oxide and tungsten oxide, respectively (in absence and presence of quercetin). The anti-adhesive impact of the coated-slides were tested by studying the attachment of B. subtilis strains after 24 h using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). Here, quercetin was presented as a bio-route for the synthsis of tungsten mixed oxides nano-plates at a room temperature. In addition, quercetin had an impact on zeta potential of both bio-inspired amorphous titanium oxide and tungsten oxide nano-plates. Intersetingly, our experiments indicated a contrary effect of quercetin as an anti-biofilm agent that previously was reported. However, its bio-inspired metal oxide proved their anti adhesive effeciency. In addition, quercetin-mediated nano-tungsten and quercetin-mediated amorphous titanium showed anti-adhesive activity aginst B. subtilis biofilm.