https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9849-922X
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Abstract
Aims: This work describes the encapsulation of ceftazidime and tobramycin in zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) and the characterization of their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against Gram-negative bacteria. Materials & methods: ZNPs were synthesized by nanoprecipitation. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay and antibacterial and antibiofilm assays were performed by broth microdilution and violet crystal techniques. Results: ZNPs containing ceftazidime (CAZ-ZNPs) and tobramycin (TOB-ZNPs) showed drug encapsulation and thermal stability. Encapsulation of the drugs reduced their cytotoxicity 9–25-fold. Antibacterial activity, inhibition and eradication of biofilm by CAZ-ZNPs and TOB-ZNPs were observed. There was potentiation when CAZ-ZNPs and TOB-ZNPs were combined. Conclusion: CAZ-ZNPs and TOB-ZNPs present ideal physical characteristics for in vivo studies of antibacterial and antibiofilm activities.
Plain Language Summary
A nanotechnology product was developed to treat diseases caused by bacteria. This prototype showed the ideal characteristics and could be administered by ingestion through the mouth, aspiration through the nose or injection into the veins. The prototype did not harm or kill human cells. It killed the bacteria and prevented the formation of a type of protection against antibiotics that bacteria can produce, called a biofilm. Nanotechnology products are a promising alternative for the treatment of bacterial infections.
Tweetable abstract
Zein nanoparticles containing ceftazidime and tobramycin reduce cytotoxicity and improve antibacterial and antibiofilm activity. They are a promising alternative for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by biofilm-producing Gram-negative bacteria.
Graphical abstract
Supplementary data
To view the supplementary data that accompany this paper please visit the journal website at: www.tandfonline.com/doi/suppl/10.2217/fmb-2023-0147
Author contributions
LAA Campos: methodology, investigation, formal analysis and writing of original draft. AFS Neto: investigation and formal analysis. MCS Noronha: formal analysis. JVO Santos: methodology, investigation and writing, review and editing. MKA Cavalcante: methodology and formal analysis. MCAB de Castro: methodology and formal analysis. VRA Pereira: formal analysis. IMF Cavalcanti: conceptualization, writing, review, editing and supervision. NS Santos-Magalhães: writing, review, editing, supervision and project administration.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank the team of the Keizo Asami Institute of the Federal University of Pernambuco (iLIKA/UFPE) for their support during the execution of this project. LAA Campos thanks the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development for the doctoral scholarship.
Financial disclosure
This work was funded by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Project Print/CAPES 88887311907/2018-00), Foundation for the Support of Science and Technology of the State of Pernambuco (FACEPE) through Public Notices FACEPE 07/2022–Innovative Scientists 2022 (APQ-0287-4.03/22) and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) Development through Call CNPq/MCTI/CT-Saúde 52/2022–Actions in Science, Technology and Innovation to Face Antimicrobial Resistance (RAM; 408785/2022-5) and Notice PROPG no. 09/2023 of the Federal University of Pernambuco (process no. 050427/2023-21).
Competing interests disclosure
The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
Writing disclosure
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.