Formulation and characterization of antibiotic drug loaded aquasome for the topical application
Creators: name: Shanmugam, Bhuvaneshwari
name: Srinivasan, Umashankar Marakanam
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Space Science
subject: Medicine
subject: Microbiology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Pharmacology
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Chemical Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Cancer
subject: Infectious Diseases
subject: FOS: Health sciences
subject: Virology

description: <b>Aim:</b> This study aimed to develop a topical antibiotic drug delivery system using aquasomes for enhanced treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). <b>Materials &amp; methods:</b> Cephalothin was loaded into aquasomes using a multi-step process and optimized using design of experiment. The aquasomes were characterized for FT-IR, SEM and zeta potential analysis. Entrapment efficacy, <i>In vitro</i> drug release studies, antibacterial assays and stability study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the formulated aquasomes. <b>Results &amp; conclusion:</b> The formulated cephalothin-loaded aquasomes exhibited stable properties, controlled drug release and significant antibacterial activity against bacteria. This proves that the developed aquasome-based delivery system has the potential for sustained treatment of SSTIs. Cephalothin is a medicine that helps fight bacteria, but it doesn't work well on the skin because it does not come in a gel form. We created a special way, called a magic vehicle, to help the medicine reach the skin better. Infections on the skin and in soft tissues, caused by germs. We found that our new way of giving the medicine is small, strong and fights germs very well. This could be a great way to treat skin infections and help people feel better. <b>Objective:</b> The study aimed to formulate and characterize a topical antibiotic drug delivery system using aquasomes to enhance the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Drug selection and loading: cephalothin, a first-generation cephalosporin, was chosen and loaded into aquasomes through a multi-step process. Aquasome structure: aquasomes are three-layered vesicular nanocarriers with a ceramic core coated with a polyhydroxy compound, specifically trehalose, for drug delivery. Preparation: the ceramic core was coated with trehalose, followed by the adsorption of cephalothin. A 2-Factor design was utilized to optimize the formulation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR): FTIR confirmed the presence of functional groups in the calcium phosphate core, trehalose-coated core and cephalothin-loaded aquasomes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM): SEM revealed the morphology of the aquasomes and demonstrated the adsorption of cephalothin onto the surface. Zeta potential analysis: the analysis indicated the electrostatic stability of the aquasomes. Controlled release: the aquasomes exhibited controlled and sustained release of cephalothin, with a release rate of 60.72% over approximately 10 h. Release kinetics: the Higuchi model best fit the release data of the formulation, indicating a diffusion-controlled release mechanism. Entrapment efficiency: the formulation showed a 35% entrapment efficacy and demonstrated stable properties. Efficacy against pathogens: antibacterial assays revealed significant efficacy of cephalothin-loaded aquasomes against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i>. Comparison with pure drug: cephalothin-loaded aquasomes produced larger zones of inhibition compared with pure cephalothin, highlighting the enhanced antibacterial activity. Antimicrobial resistance: the study addresses the challenge of antimicrobial resistance by providing a sustained delivery system for existing antibiotics. Physical stability: the cephalothin-loaded aquasomes demonstrated good stability over a three-month period, evidenced by consistent temperature maintenance, constant size, minimal fluctuations in encapsulation efficiency and unchanged physical appearance. Potential for other antibiotics: the aquasome delivery system could be explored for other antibiotics and therapeutic agents to combat antimicrobial resistance in various infections. Clinical applications: this study provides valuable insights into the development of an effective topical antibiotic delivery system with potential clinical applications in treating SSTIs. Enhanced treatment: the innovative use of aquasomes for the sustained release of cephalothin offers a promising approach for improving the efficacy of topical antibiotics. Future research: further research is suggested to explore the broader application of this delivery system for various antibiotics and to conduct clinical trials to validate its effectiveness in a clinical setting.