Fast-Disintegrating Oral Films Containing Nisin-Loaded Niosomes

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Nisin, a lantibiotic from Lactococcus lactis, has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive pathogens, including MRSA.
• Current delivery methods for antimicrobials like nisin may lack stability and targeted delivery for mucosal applications.
• Developing advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of peptide-based antimicrobials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel nano drug delivery platform for nisin using niosomes integrated into fast-dissolving oral films.
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties, stability, and antimicrobial efficacy of nisin-loaded niosomes in an oral film dosage form.
• To explore the potential of this system for localized antimicrobial therapy in the oral cavity.

Main Methods:

• Nisin-loaded niosomes were formulated using microfluidic mixing with Span 40, Span 60, and cholesterol.
• Niosomal suspensions were incorporated into polymer-based oral films using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400).
• Characterization included vesicle size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, FTIR, DSC, TGA, SEM, mechanical properties, disintegration time, and in vitro antimicrobial assays.

Main Results:

• Microfluidic synthesis yielded uniform niosomes (100-200 nm) with high encapsulation efficiency and improved nisin stability.
• Oral films exhibited rapid disintegration (<30 s), good mechanical properties, and uniform drug distribution.
• Formulated nisin retained its bioactivity, demonstrating effective inhibition zones against Bacillus subtilis.

Conclusions:

• The developed nisin-loaded niosomal oral films provide a stable and effective platform for targeted buccal drug delivery.
• This novel system enhances the therapeutic potential of nisin for localized treatment of oral infections, dental plaque, and periodontal diseases.
• The integration of microfluidics and oral films offers a promising non-invasive strategy for mucosal delivery of peptide-based drugs.