Mesoporous silica nanoparticles co-loaded with lysozyme and vancomycin for synergistic antimicrobial action

Sci Rep. 2024 Nov 25;14(1):29242. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-78922-1.

Abstract

Nanotechnology offers a novel strategy for enhancing the susceptibility of pathogens resistant to traditional antibiotics. Another effective strategy is combination therapy, where multiple agents are used together to improve treatment efficacy. In this study, both nanoparticle-based formulation and combinatorial therapy were utilized to develop a potent antibacterial system targeting infectious bacteria. Lysozyme (Lys) and Vancomycin (Van) were co-loaded onto mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), forming Lys-Van-MSNs. The antimicrobial activity of these nanoparticles was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Staphylococcus aureus. The MIC values for Lys-Van-MSNs were 0.85 µg/ml for Van and 0.168 mg/ml for Lys, reflecting reductions of 86.4% and 93.7%, respectively, compared to the free forms. Additionally, cytotoxicity was tested using MTT, ROS, and hemolysis assays on human cell lines (breast, fibroblast, and AGS), showing over 80% cell viability, indicating minimal toxicity. The MSN-based formulation, with its synergistic antibacterial effects, reduced drug dosage, and high biocompatibility, offers a practical and effective solution for addressing bacterial infections.

Keywords: Combination therapy; Lysozyme; MSNs; Nanoparticles; Vancomycin.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents* / pharmacology
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Synergism*
  • Hemolysis / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests*
  • Muramidase* / pharmacology
  • Nanoparticles* / chemistry
  • Porosity
  • Silicon Dioxide* / chemistry
  • Staphylococcus aureus* / drug effects
  • Vancomycin* / administration & dosage
  • Vancomycin* / chemistry
  • Vancomycin* / pharmacology

Substances

  • Vancomycin
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Muramidase
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Drug Carriers