Antibiotic resistance against Gram-negative microbes is considered as an alarming phenomenon that needs to be addressed urgently to develop better therapeutic solutions. The aim of the present research work was to investigate and develop cefazolin loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) as a potential tool against multidrug resistant pathogens. Empty and drug loaded CSNPs were prepared by ionic gelation method. It was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) based studies that CSNPs were less than 100 nm in size and displayed homogeneity both in shape and size. Encapsulation of cefazolin has not increased the size of nano systems. Zeta sizer results revealed that both systems have positive zeta potential of more or less +50 mV, thus contributing towards a stable formulation. Encapsulation efficiency was directly proportional to the increase in the concentration of antibiotic (28-62%). Furthermore, growth kinetics study had demonstrated excellent antimicrobial potential of cefazolin loaded CSNPs against multi drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) positive Escherichia coli.
Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Atomic force microscopy; Chitosan nanoparticles; ESBL; FTIR; Zeta sizer.
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