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Updated: Sep 29, 2025
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activities of Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Surfaces In Vitro
Published on: April 21, 2023
Effects of Imipenem-containing Niosome nanoparticles against high prevalence methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
Tohid Piri-Gharaghie1, Neda Jegargoshe-Shirin2, Sara Saremi-Nouri3
1Biotechnology Research Center, Microbial Biotechnology Laboratory, AmitisGen Med TECH Group, P.O. Box: 1416673744, Tehran, Iran. tohidpirie@yahoo.com.
Abstract:
We aim to assess the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of Niosome-encapsulated Imipenem. After isolating Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates and determining their microbial sensitivity, their ability to form biofilms was examined using plate microtiter assay. Various formulations of Niosome-encapsulated Imipenem were prepared using the thin-film hydration method, Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC) and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) were determined, and biofilm genes expression was examined. Drug formulations' toxicity effect on HDF cells were determined using MTT assay. Out of the 162 separated S. epidermidis, 106 were resistant to methicillin. 87 MRSE isolates were vancomycin-resistant, all of which could form biofilms. The F1 formulation of niosomal Imipenem with a size of 192.3 ± 5.84 and an encapsulation index of 79.36 ± 1.14 was detected, which prevented biofilm growth with a BGI index of 69% and reduced icaD, FnbA, EbpS biofilms' expression with P ≤ 0.001 in addition to reducing MBIC and MIC by 4-6 times. Interestingly, F1 formulation of niosomal Imipenem indicated cell viability over 90% at all tested concentrations. The results of the present study indicate that Niosome-encapsulated Imipenem reduces the resistance of MRSE to antibiotics in addition to increasing its anti-biofilm and antibiotic activity, and could prove useful as a new strategy for drug delivery.
Insights
Niosome-encapsulated Imipenem effectively combats antibiotic-resistant bacteria and biofilms. This novel drug delivery system enhances antibiotic activity and reduces bacterial resistance, offering a promising new strategy for treating infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE) poses a significant threat due to its resistance to antibiotics and ability to form biofilms.
- Biofilm formation by MRSE contributes to persistent and difficult-to-treat infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm efficacy of Niosome-encapsulated Imipenem against Staphylococcus epidermidis.
- To assess the impact of this formulation on biofilm gene expression and its toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of Staphylococcus epidermidis, including antibiotic sensitivity testing and biofilm formation assays.
- Preparation and characterization of Niosome-encapsulated Imipenem formulations using the thin-film hydration method.
- Determination of Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC), Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), biofilm gene expression, and cytotoxicity on Human Dermal Fibroblast (HDF) cells.
Main Results:
- A specific niosomal Imipenem formulation (F1) demonstrated significant anti-biofilm activity (69% BGI) and reduced expression of key biofilm genes (icaD, FnbA, EbpS).
- The F1 formulation decreased MBIC and MIC values by 4-6 times compared to controls.
- Niosome-encapsulated Imipenem showed excellent safety, with over 90% cell viability in HDF cells at all tested concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Niosome-encapsulated Imipenem effectively reduces MRSE resistance and enhances antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity.
- This formulation represents a promising new drug delivery strategy for combating challenging bacterial infections.
- The nanotechnology-based approach offers a safe and effective method for improving antibiotic performance.
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