Vancomycin-eluting niosomes: a new approach to the inhibition of staphylococcal biofilm on abiotic surfaces

AAPS PharmSciTech. 2014 Oct;15(5):1263-74. doi: 10.1208/s12249-014-0141-8. Epub 2014 Jun 4.

Abstract

A new vancomycin (VCM)-eluting mixed bilayer niosome formulation was evaluated for the control of staphylococcal colonization and biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces, a niosome application not explored to date. Cosurfactant niosomes were prepared using a Span 60/Tween 40/cholesterol blend (1: 1: 2). Tween 40, a polyethoxylated amphiphile, was included to enhance VCM entrapment and confer niosomal surface properties precluding bacterial adhesion. VCM-eluting niosomes showed good quality attributes including relatively high entrapment efficiency (∼50%), association of Tween 40 with vesicles in a constant proportion (∼87%), biphasic release profile suitable for inhibiting early bacterial colonization, and long-term stability at 4°C for a 12-month study period. Niosomes significantly enhanced VCM activity against planktonic bacteria of nine staphylococcal strains. Using microtiter plates as abiotic surface, VCM-eluting niosomes proved superior to VCM in inhibiting biofilm formation, eradicating surface-borne biofilms, inhibiting biofilm growth, and interfering with biofilm induction by VCM subminimal inhibitory concentrations. Data suggest dual functionality of cosurfactant VCM-eluting niosomes as passive colonization inhibiting barrier and active antimicrobial-controlled delivery system, two functions recognized in infection control of abiotic surfaces and medical devices.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Biofilms / drug effects*
  • Biofilms / growth & development
  • Electrochemistry
  • Excipients
  • Liposomes / chemistry*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Particle Size
  • Polysorbates
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / growth & development
  • Vancomycin / administration & dosage*
  • Vancomycin / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Excipients
  • Liposomes
  • Polysorbates
  • Vancomycin
  • polysorbate 40