Antibacterial potential of crocin and its nanoniosome against Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Aim and Background: In recent decades, the spread of drug resistance to antibiotics has increased research to discover a replacement for antibiotics. The use of herbal-origin compounds to deal with various diseases has a long history. This study aimed to investigate the effect of antimicrobial nanoniosomes carrying crocin as an alternative to antibiotics. Methods: In the first stage, the molecular docking of crocin with the DNA gyrase was done by Autodock 4.2 software. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of crocin and its nanoniosome against E.coli was evaluated in the 96-well plates. Then, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was measured. Results and discussion: Based on the docking results, the energy of crocin and DNA gyrase was -202.35. Also, antibacterial results showed that nanoniosome containing crocin had a potential antibacterial effect on E.coli. Conclusion: The nanoniosome containing crocin may be used as a therapeutic alternative to antibiotics.