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In vitro behavior of poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid microspheres containing minocycline, metronidazole, and
Maryam Torshabi1,2, Hanieh Nojehdehian1,2, Fahimeh S Tabatabaei1,2
1Department of Dental Biomaterials, School of Dentistry, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Aim:
In the present study, we aimed to fabricate poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres containing a mixture of three antibiotics-minocycline, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin (MMC)-to assess their efficacy and properties.
Methods:
MMC were loaded onto PLGA biopolymer microspheres at a 1:1:1 ratio using the double emulsion technique. The morphology of microspheres was observed by a (SEM). The controlled release of antibiotics was evaluated over an 18-day period. The antibacterial efficacy of released antibiotics against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was evaluated by measuring the diameter of the growth-inhibition zone. The cytotoxicity of MMC-containing microspheres was also evaluated and compared using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. One-way anova was used for the data analysis.
Results:
SEM micrographs confirmed the spherical shape and smooth surface of microspheres. The adequate release of antibiotics was observed from the microspheres within the desired time period of 16-18 days. The MMC-containing microspheres showed antibacterial activity for 11 days. Moreover, MMC-containing microspheres showed superior cell biocompatibility compared to the free mixture of the three antibiotics (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Microspheres containing triple antibiotics showed good release, antibacterial activity for 11 days, and similar cell biocompatibility compared to the empty microspheres.
Insights
Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres loaded with minocycline, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin (MMC) demonstrated effective controlled release and antibacterial activity for 11 days. These MMC-loaded microspheres exhibited superior cell biocompatibility compared to the free antibiotic mixture.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Microbiology
Background:
- Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) is a widely used biodegradable polymer for drug delivery.
- Antibiotic resistance necessitates novel strategies for effective infection control.
- Developing controlled-release systems for multiple antibiotics can enhance therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize PLGA microspheres containing a combination of minocycline, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin (MMC).
- To evaluate the in vitro release kinetics, antibacterial efficacy, and cytotoxicity of the MMC-loaded PLGA microspheres.
Main Methods:
- PLGA microspheres loaded with a 1:1:1 ratio of minocycline, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin were prepared using the double emulsion technique.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze microsphere morphology.
- Antibiotic release was monitored over 18 days, and antibacterial activity against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was assessed via growth-inhibition zones.
- Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay.
Main Results:
- SEM confirmed spherical microspheres with smooth surfaces.
- Adequate antibiotic release was observed within 16-18 days.
- The MMC-loaded microspheres exhibited antibacterial activity for 11 days.
- Microspheres showed significantly better cell biocompatibility than the free antibiotic mixture (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- PLGA microspheres effectively encapsulate a triple antibiotic combination (minocycline, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin).
- The fabricated microspheres provide sustained release and significant antibacterial activity for 11 days.
- MMC-loaded microspheres demonstrate comparable or superior biocompatibility to empty microspheres and free antibiotics.
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