| DOI: 10.29090/psa.2025.04.25.3941 | Pharm Sci Asia 2025; 52(4), 471-482 |
Development and characterization of ceftazidime-loaded niosomes against selected pathogensJan Karlo Tiongson Ecalne1,3*, Gerard Quinto De Guzman2, Saffia Anzures Abu-Shendi1, Justin Dave Magracia Manantan3*, Jan Ken Emmanuel Tiongson Ecalne1, Mylene Sevilla Andal1
1 School of Pharmacy, Centro Escolar University – Manila, 9 Mendiola Street, San Miguel, Manila, 1008, Philippines
2 College of Medicine, University of the Philippines – Manila, 670 Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila, 1000, Philippines
3 College of Pharmacy, Adamson University, 900 San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila, 1000, Philippines
Ceftazidime (CP) is a third-generation bactericidal cephalosporin used to treat infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis. Despite its clinical use, the emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance makes the drug questionable. This study aims to entrap CP into niosomes, providing a unique mechanism for enhancing its antibacterial activity against selected pathogens. Five niosomal formulations with varying molar ratios of surfactant were prepared and tested for in vitro release and entrapment efficiency (EE). The most favorable formulation was further characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A three-month accelerated stability study was also conducted to determine its suitability under common storage conditions. The antibacterial activity against selected pathogens was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. The formulation containing the highest molar ratio of Span 60 was selected due to its superior entrapment efficiency (72.49 ± 0.23%) and diffusion performance (804.8 ± 145.4 µg/hr). This optimized formulation exhibited a spherical, vesicular morphology with favorable particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. FTIR and DSC analyses confirmed successful entrapment of the active compound, while minimal changes in entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, and pH under cold storage indicated relative stability. Moreover, it demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus compared to the free drug. This study was the first to report that niosomal entrapment improves CP's antibacterial activity, establishing a framework for future advances in antimicrobial drug delivery.
Keyword:
Niosome; Ceftazidime; Nosocomial; Bactericidal; Antimicrobial resistance
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