Apoferritin-Functionalized with Wheat Germ Agglutinin and Loaded with Antibiotic for Targeting Bacteria

The selective delivery of drugs to their targets prevents their possible side effects; hence, the development of selective transport systems is considered extremely promising. In the present study, we aimed to develop a drug delivery system for targeting bacteria.

Functionalization of apoferritin with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), as a bacteria-recognizing lectin, was conducted. Afterwards, the complex was loaded with ampicillin. The affinity of the conjugate to Gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, was evaluated by anisotropic silver nanoparticles conjugated with this complex, and its interaction with the bacteria was also assessed.

The drug-delivery capabilities of the composite were evaluated. Results from the disk diffusion assay revealed that its bactericidal activity is 10-fold greater compared to free antibiotics. The effectiveness of the bactericidal effects of ampicillin-loaded ferritin was also confirmed in whole blood.

Lectin-conjugated and ampicillin-loaded apoferritin can be considered as effective drug delivery systems for targeting bacteria.