Amoxicillin-bearing microparticles: potential in the treatment of Listeria monocytogenes infection in Swiss albino mice

Abstract

The present study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of amoxicillin-bearing HSA (human serum albumin) and PLGA [poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)] microparticles in combating Listeria monocytogenes infection in Swiss albino mice. Amoxicillin-bearing HSA microspheres were prepared by chemical cross-linking of a drug/albumin mixture with glutaraldehyde, and PLGA microspheres were prepared by the W/O/W (water-in-oil-in-water) emulsion technique. The microspheres were characterized for their size, ζ potential and entrapment efficiency using SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and a Zetasizer. Release kinetics was performed in a phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) at 37°C simulating physiological conditions. Bacterial burden in various vital organs and survival data established enhanced efficacy of PLGA and HSA microspheres as compared with free drug. Among the two delivery systems, PLGA microspheres, when compared with HSA microspheres, imparted better efficacy in terms of reduction in bacterial load as well as increase in survival. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate that microparticles successfully target the infected macrophages and the approach could be well exploited for targeting the intracellular pathogens as well.