Stability of Non-Ionic Surfactant Vesicles Loaded with Rifamycin S

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Bacterial infections pose a growing challenge due to antibiotic resistance.
• Drug delivery systems offer a promising strategy to enhance antibiotic efficacy and reduce side effects.
• Non-ionic vesicles (niosomes) are biodegradable nanomaterials suitable for drug encapsulation and targeted delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To encapsulate Rifamycin S into niosomes for potential treatment of bacterial infections.
• To evaluate the impact of different aqueous phases on niosome characteristics and encapsulation efficiency.
• To assess the antimicrobial activity of Rifamycin S-loaded niosomes against Staphylococcus aureus.

Main Methods:

• Three niosome formulations were prepared using the thin-film hydration method.
• Varying aqueous phases (MilliQ water, glycerol, PEG400) were used to study their effect on niosome properties.
• Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay was performed to determine antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.

Main Results:

• Niosomes loaded with Rifamycin S (0.13 μg/g) were successfully prepared.
• Glycerol and PEG400 in the aqueous phase resulted in larger niosomes with higher encapsulation efficiency (EE).
• Niosomes formulated with glycerol exhibited superior stability across various temperatures and pHs, alongside a lower MIC against S. aureus.

Conclusions:

• Niosomes are effective drug delivery systems for Rifamycin S, improving its properties.
• Glycerol-based niosomes demonstrate enhanced stability, encapsulation efficiency, and antimicrobial potency.
• This study highlights the potential of niosomal Rifamycin S for combating Staphylococcus aureus infections.