K. V. Rodriguez-Brigantti, S. Joshi, M. Zafaryab, K. Vig
Alabama State University,
United States
Keywords: Liposomes, Staphylococcus aureus, antimicrobial, treatment4
Summary:
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a gram-positive bacterium that can cause some deadly human diseases, including skin infections. The increased use of antimicrobials has resulted in resistant strains of these bacteria, hence, there is a pressing need to develop newer antimicrobials. One new approach to antimicrobials is to use liposomes. Liposomes are spherical vesicles with a structure like cell membranes, consisting of one or more phospholipid bilayers. Further, liposomes can encapsulated with hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs allowing them to become novel drug delivery systems. The present study aims to develop liposomes with Ciprofloxacin, Metformin, Garcinol, and Garcinol - Metformin drug combination to evaluate the S. aureus inhibition. Liposomes were compared to the drug alone for S. aureus inhibition. Liposome size was determined using Zeta-Sizer (Malvern) and ranged from 107-269 d.nm. The inhibitory effects of the drugs and liposomes against S. aureus were studied through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) Assay, Kirby Disc Diffusion Assay (KB test), Live/dead Assay, and Plate Count Assay. We further investigated the change in gene expression of S. aureus on RNA extracted after exposure to liposomes/drug. MIC studies showed bacterial inhibition at 5 μg/ml, 25 μg/ml, and 500 μg/ml for Garcinol, Ciprofloxacin, and Metformin respectively. Furthermore, the MIC for drug-liposomes showed bacterial inhibition at 5 μg/ml, 25 μg/ml, and 250 μg/ml for liposomes loaded with Garcinol, Ciprofloxacin, and Metformin respectively. SEM analysis after drug/liposome exposure showed bacterial cell wall rupture after drug/liposome treatments. The qPCR analysis showed a change in gene expression after drug/liposome treatments. The current study shows liposomes as an effective delivery system for antimicrobials against S. aureus which can be used for the development, treatment, and implementation of medications for bacterial infections.