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Updated: Aug 1, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Therapeutics with Biocompatible Sodium Alginate Hydrogel Microspheres
Published on: June 7, 2024
Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity of Magnetite and Vancomycin-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Embedded in Alginate Films
Georgiana Dolete1,2, Cornelia-Ioana Ilie1,2, Cristina Chircov1,2
1Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Gh. Polizu 1-7, 011061 Bucharest, Romania.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to obtain a hydrogel-based film as a carrier for the sustained and controlled release of vancomycin, an antibiotic commonly used in various types of infections. Considering the high-water solubility of vancomycin (>50 mg/mL) and the aqueous medium underlying the exudates, a prolonged release of vancomycin from an MCM-41 carrier was sought. The present work focused on the synthesis of malic acid coated magnetite (Fe3O4/malic) by co-precipitation, synthesis of MCM-41 by a sol-gel method and loading of MCM-41 with vancomycin, and their use in alginate films for wound dressing. The nanoparticles obtained were physically mixed and embedded in the alginate gel. Prior to incorporation, the nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy, TGA-DSC and DLS. The films were prepared by a simple casting method and were further cross-linked and examined for possible heterogeneities by means of FT-IR microscopy and SEM. The degree of swelling and the water vapor transmission rate were determined, considering their potential use as wound dressings. The obtained films show morpho-structural homogeneity, sustained release over 48 h and a strong synergistic enhancement of the antimicrobial activity as a consequence of the hybrid nature of these films. The antimicrobial efficacy was tested against S. aureus, two strains of E. faecalis (including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, VRE) and C. albicans. The incorporation of magnetite was also considered as an external triggering component in case the films were used as a magneto-responsive smart dressing to stimulate vancomycin diffusion.
Insights
This study developed a novel alginate film incorporating vancomycin-loaded MCM-41 nanoparticles for sustained wound healing. The hybrid dressing demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial activity and controlled drug release over 48 hours.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Vancomycin is a crucial antibiotic for treating infections, but its high water solubility poses challenges for sustained release.
- Developing effective drug delivery systems is essential for improving therapeutic outcomes and managing wound infections.
- Alginate hydrogels offer biocompatibility and suitable properties for wound dressings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a hydrogel-based film for sustained and controlled release of vancomycin.
- To utilize MCM-41 nanoparticles as a carrier for vancomycin within an alginate film.
- To investigate the potential of magnetite nanoparticles for magneto-responsive drug release.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of malic acid-coated magnetite (Fe3O4/malic) nanoparticles via co-precipitation.
- Preparation of Mesoporous Cellular Material-41 (MCM-41) using a sol-gel method.
- Loading MCM-41 with vancomycin and embedding these nanoparticles into alginate films for wound dressing applications.
- Characterization of nanoparticles and films using techniques like XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and TGA-DSC.
Main Results:
- The developed alginate films exhibited morpho-structural homogeneity.
- Sustained release of vancomycin was observed over a 48-hour period.
- Significant synergistic enhancement of antimicrobial activity was noted against *S. aureus*, *E. faecalis* (including VRE), and *C. albicans*.
- Magnetite incorporation offers potential for magneto-responsive drug diffusion control.
Conclusions:
- The novel hydrogel-based film effectively delivers vancomycin in a sustained manner.
- The hybrid dressing demonstrates potent antimicrobial efficacy, addressing challenges with vancomycin solubility.
- The incorporation of magnetite opens possibilities for advanced, stimuli-responsive wound care solutions.
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