The Inhibitory Effect of Niosome Containing Myrtenol as an Innovative Approach to Combat Methicillin-Resistant...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Drug Delivery
• Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Materials Science and Nanotechnology

Background:

• Rising global challenge of staphylococcal infections, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
• Niosomal drug delivery systems offer controlled release and enhanced antimicrobial efficacy.
• Need for novel strategies to overcome antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a myrtenol-loaded niosomal system for its antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against MRSA.
• To assess the physicochemical characteristics, in vitro release, and anti-MRSA activity of the niosomal formulation.
• To investigate the antibiofilm efficacy and cytotoxicity of the niosomal myrtenol system.

Main Methods:

• Niosomal formulation prepared via thin-film hydration.
• Physicochemical characterization using FE-SEM, DLS, entrapment efficiency (EE%), and in vitro release studies.
• Antimicrobial activity assessed by MIC and MBC; antibiofilm activity by BMIC and BMEC; cytotoxicity on HFF cell line.

Main Results:

• Spherical myrtenol-loaded niosomes (122.1 nm) with high EE% (62.90%) and negative surface charge (-53.6 mV).
• Niosomal myrtenol showed enhanced antibacterial activity against MRSA compared to free myrtenol.
• Significant reduction in MRSA biofilm formation and effective biofilm eradication by niosomal myrtenol.

Conclusions:

• Niosomal delivery systems demonstrate potential for enhanced antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against MRSA.
• Myrtenol-loaded niosomes offer a sustained-release, non-toxic, and effective approach for combating MRSA infections.
• Niosomes represent a novel strategy to overcome staphylococcal resistance challenges.