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Updated: Feb 16, 2026
Non-chromatographic Purification of Recombinant Elastin-like Polypeptides and their Fusions with Peptides and Proteins from Escherichia coli
Published on: June 9, 2014
Elastin-like polypeptide incorporated thermally sensitive liposome improve antibiotic therapy against musculoskeletal
Adane S Nigatu1, Harshini Ashar1, Sri Nandhini Sethuraman1
1a Center for Veterinary Health Sciences , Oklahoma State University , Stillwater , OK , USA.
Abstract:
Musculoskeletal infections caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in children and adults can lead to adverse outcomes including a need for extensive surgical debridement and limb amputation. To enable targeted antimicrobial release in infected tissues, the objective of this study was to design and investigate novel elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)-based thermally sensitive liposomes in vitro. ELP biopolymers can change their phase behaviour at higher temperatures. We hypothesised that ELP-TSL will improve therapeutic efficacy by releasing antimicrobial payloads locally at higher temperatures (≥39 °C). ELP-TSL library were formulated by varying cholesterol and phospholipid composition by the thin film and extrusion method. A broad-spectrum antimicrobial (Ciprofloxacin or Cipro) was encapsulated inside the liposomes by the ammonium sulphate gradient method. Cipro release from ELP-TSLs was assessed in physiological buffers containing ∼25% serum by fluorescence spectroscopy, and efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assessed by disc diffusion and planktonic assay. Active loading of Cipro achieved an encapsulation efficiency of 40-70% in the ELP-TSL depending upon composition. ELP-TSL Cipro release was near complete at ≥39 °C; however, the release rates could be delayed by cholesterol. Triggered release of Cipro from ELP-TSL at ∼42 °C induced significant killing of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa compared to 37 °C. Our in vitro data suggest that ELP-TSL may potentially improve bacterial wound therapy in patients.
Insights
Novel elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)-based thermally sensitive liposomes (ELP-TSL) effectively release Ciprofloxacin at elevated temperatures. This targeted delivery shows promise for improving bacterial wound therapy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Musculoskeletal infections pose significant risks, potentially leading to severe complications like amputation.
- Current treatments may require extensive surgical intervention.
- Targeted antimicrobial delivery is crucial for effective management of these infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate novel elastin-like polypeptide (ELP)-based thermally sensitive liposomes (ELP-TSL) for targeted antimicrobial release.
- To investigate the in vitro release kinetics and efficacy of Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) encapsulated in ELP-TSLs.
- To assess the potential of ELP-TSLs in enhancing bacterial wound therapy.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of ELP-TSL by varying cholesterol and phospholipid composition using thin film and extrusion.
- Encapsulation of Ciprofloxacin using the ammonium sulphate gradient method.
- Assessment of Cipro release via fluorescence spectroscopy and antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using disc diffusion and planktonic assays.
Main Results:
- Achieved Ciprofloxacin encapsulation efficiency of 40-70% in ELP-TSLs.
- Demonstrated near-complete Cipro release from ELP-TSLs at temperatures ≥39°C, with release rates tunable by cholesterol content.
- Triggered release at ~42°C significantly enhanced killing of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa compared to 37°C.
Conclusions:
- ELP-TSLs demonstrate effective temperature-triggered release of Ciprofloxacin.
- The developed liposomes show significant in vitro efficacy against key bacterial pathogens.
- ELP-TSLs hold potential for improving targeted antimicrobial delivery in bacterial wound therapies.
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