Fig. 6

Visualization of the effect of combination of AgNPs, blue light, and azithromycin on MRSA isolate N8 using transmission electron microscope (TEM). The antimicrobial efficacy of the AgNPs at 1/16 MIC, blue light and azithromycin at 0.25 µg/mL alone and in triple combination against isolate N8 was visualized by TEM at ×80,000. The photos show the response of the bacteria to the following treatments: a Drug-free and light-free (control). b AgNPs alone at 1/16 of its MIC. c Blue light exposure at 460 nm and 250 mW for 1 h. d Azithromycin alone at 0.25 µg/mL. e Triple combination of AgNPs, blue light and the azithromycin. Signs of membrane damage and cell lysis were more pronounced in cells treated with a combination of three agents compared to cells treated with each agent alone. Small arrows indicate the location of the AgNPs and the sites of the damage