Antimicrobial proanthocyanidin-chitosan composite nanoparticles loaded with gentamicin

Abstract

Cranberry proanthocyanidin-chitosan nanoparticles (PAC-CHT NPs) loaded with antibiotic gentamicin (GEN) (PAC-CHT-GEN NPs) were formulated and characterized according to size, polydispersity (PDI), surface charge, morphology, and encapsulation efficiency (EE). PAC-CHT-GEN NPs were evaluated for their ability to agglutinate E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa and their bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity. Results indicate that the PAC-CHT-GEN NPs at 0.5:1.0, 1.0:1.0, and 2.0:1.0 weight ratios formed stable nanoparticles with sizes from 242.9 to 277.4 nm, a PDI from 0.344 to 0.391, and a zeta potential from 34.5 to 38.5 mV, and up to 94% EE. Results indicate that PAC-CHT-GEN NPs have the ability to agglutinate E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, PAC-CHT-GEN NPs exhibited greater bactericidal activity than GEN alone. Results suggested PAC-CHT-GEN NPs form stable, round-shaped, and bioactive nanoparticles with the potential to be use in the treatment of bacterial infections.

Keywords: Bacterial agglutination; Bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity; Chitosan; Gentamicin; Proanthocyanidin.