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Metronidazole-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial Activity Against Clostridium perfringens
Anca Niculina Cadinoiu1, Delia Mihaela Rata1, Oana Maria Daraba1
1Academician Ioan Hăulică Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Apollonia University of Iași, 700511 Iași, Romania.
Pharmaceutics
|March 27, 2025
Summary
New chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Metronidazole offer a promising solution for treating wound infections caused by Clostridium perfringens. These drug delivery systems show effective antimicrobial activity and are safe for in vitro use.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Infectious Disease Research
Background:
- Wound infections remain a significant global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- Existing treatments face limitations despite advancements in surgical techniques and antibiotic prophylaxis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop novel chitosan (CS)-based particulate polymeric matrices for controlled Metronidazole (MTZ) release.
- To investigate the efficacy of these matrices in treating Clostridium perfringens wound infections.
Main Methods:
- Nanoparticles synthesized using inverse emulsion with tannic acid (TA) and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as cross-linkers.
- Optimization of synthesis parameters including CS/TPP ratio, CS concentration, and CS/TA ratio.
- Characterization of nanoparticles (FTIR, size, zeta potential) and evaluation of swelling, drug loading, and release.
Main Results:
- FTIR confirmed hydrogen bonding between CS and TA, and ionic cross-linking with TPP.
- Nanoparticle diameters ranged from 70-170 nm with zeta potential around 8 mV.
- Synthesis parameters significantly influenced swelling, drug loading, and release kinetics.
- In vitro testing showed non-hemolytic and non-cytotoxic properties with potent antimicrobial activity against Clostridium perfringens.
Conclusions:
- The developed chitosan nanoparticles are effective drug delivery systems for Metronidazole.
- These non-hemolytic and non-cytotoxic particles show potential for treating Clostridium perfringens wound infections.
- The study highlights the potential of tailored chitosan matrices for targeted antimicrobial therapy.
