Ceftazidime/Tobramycin Co-Loaded Chitosan-Coated Zein Nanoparticles against Antibiotic-Resistant and Biofilm-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae

Abstract

This study aimed to co-encapsulate ceftazidime and tobramycin in zein nanoparticles coated with chitosan and to characterize and evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Zein nanoparticles, synthesized using the nanoprecipitation method, were characterized by their particle size (Ø), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ζ), pH, and encapsulation efficiency (%EE). The chitosan coating provided stability, and physicochemical analyses revealed chemical interactions, efficient drug encapsulation, and thermal stability. The release kinetics demonstrated controlled release in simulated gastric and intestinal pH. The antibacterial activity, assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), indicated effectiveness against both pathogens. Antibiofilm assays, conducted using the crystal violet method, demonstrated the inhibition and eradication of biofilms. The chitosan-coated zein nanoparticles with CAZ and/or TOB exhibited Ø (315–335 nm), PDI (<0.2), ζ (+40 to +50 mV), pH (5), and %EE (>55%). Notably, the co-encapsulation formulation (CAZ–TOB–ZNP–CH) showed enhanced antibacterial and antibiofilm activities compared to the individual formulations. These findings suggest that the developed nanoparticles present a promising alternative for treating respiratory and intestinal infections caused by antibiotic-resistant and biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae.

Ceftazidime and Usnic Acid Encapsulated in Chitosan-Coated Liposomes for Oral Administration against Colorectal Cancer-Inducing Escherichia coli

“…Initially, 250 μL of Lipo-CAZ-Chi, Lipo-UA-Chi, Lipo-CAZ-UA-Chi, Lipo-CAZ-Chi + Lipo-UA-Chi, or Lipo-Chi was added to 750 μL of gastric (pH 1.2) or intestinal (pH 6.8) solution in microtubes. The microtubes were continually shook (70 rpm) at 37 °C for 2 h. At 30 min intervals until reaching 120 min, aliquots were removed and evaluated for Ø, PDI, and ζ [ 121 ].…”

“…The physicochemical stability of the liposomal dispersions of Lipo-Chi, Lipo-CAZ-Chi, Lipo-UA-Chi, Lipo-CAZ-UA-Chi, and Lipo-CAZ-Chi + Lipo-UA-Chi was evaluated 24 h after their development, and they were stored in a refrigerator at 4 °C. The formulations were monitored 7, 15, 30, 60, and 120 days after being formulated by evaluating the following parameters: macroscopic appearance, Ø, PDI, ζ, pH, content, and EE% for liposomes containing the drug [ 121 ].…”