Azithromycin-loaded liposomal hydrogel: a step forward for enhanced treatment of MRSA-related skin infections

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutics
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Azithromycin (AZT)-loaded liposomes show in vitro activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
• Localized treatment of MRSA skin infections requires formulations with enhanced therapeutic potential.
• Chitosan hydrogel (CHG) can modify drug release and improve formulation properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-MRSA potential of azithromycin liposomes incorporated into chitosan hydrogel (liposomal CHGs) for localized topical treatment.
• To assess the impact of CHG incorporation on AZT release, viscosity, texture, and antibacterial activity.
• To identify the most promising liposomal CHG formulation for MRSA skin infections.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and evaluation of four different liposomal CHG formulations.
• Assessment of antibacterial activity against MRSA.
• Analysis of AZT release profiles, cytotoxicity, texture, and rheological properties.

Main Results:

• Chitosan hydrogel provided suitable viscoelastic and texture properties for prolonged AZT retention and release.
• Liposomal CHGs demonstrated boosted anti-MRSA effects compared to AZT-liposomes alone.
• The cationic liposomal CHG formulation (CATL-CHG) exhibited the most promising anti-MRSA activity and biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Liposomal CHGs are a promising strategy for the topical treatment of MRSA-related skin infections.
• CHG enhances the therapeutic potential of AZT-liposomes through controlled release and improved formulation characteristics.
• CATL-CHG is identified as the leading candidate for further development in treating MRSA skin infections.