Exploitation of Nanoparticle–Essential Oil Combinations to Enhance the Efficacy of Antimicrobial Agents Against Staphylococcus equorum

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the antibacterial, antibiofilm, and biofilm eradication activities of biogenically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-L, AgNPs-R) mediated by extracts of Lavandula angustifolia and Salvia rosmarinus, individually and in combination with their respective essential oils (EOs) and ampicillin (AMP), against a multidrug-resistant biofilm-forming Staphylococcus equorum strain. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the successful biosynthesis of spherical AgNPs-L (10–25 nm) and AgNPs-R (5–15 nm). Individual treatments exhibited distinct antibacterial activity, with MIC values of 25 µg/mL for AgNPs-L, 12.5 µg/mL for AgNPs-R, and 0.1% (v/v) for both EOs; however, they showed no ability to eradicate preformed biofilms. Dual AgNPs/EO combinations at subinhibitory concentrations demonstrated borderline additive effects (FICI = 0.501) and significantly potentiated antibacterial and antibiofilm activity compared with individual treatments. Triple AgNPs/EO/AMP combinations exhibited the most pronounced biological effects, with predominantly additive interactions depending on AMP concentration. Lavender-based triple combinations achieved up to 63.9% inhibition of planktonic growth, 78.1% prevention of biofilm formation, and 37.3% eradication of mature biofilms, whereas rosemary-based combinations resulted in 57.1%, 69.4%, and 42.7% inhibition, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of multi-component systems integrating biogenic nanomaterials, phytochemicals, and conventional antibiotics as a promising strategy to enhance antimicrobial efficacy against persistent biofilm-forming non-aureus staphylococci.