pH sensitive liposomes for targeted delivery of antibiotics to localized internal bacterial infection sites

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes a myriad of infections ranging from mild skin-infection to more serious infections affecting internal organs. A glycopeptide, Vancomycin, remains the last line of defense against MRSA. The aim of this study is to investigate whether liposomal encapsulated Vancomycin had a better antimicrobial action than free Vancomycin in terms of infection-specific targeting and circulation time. For the same, encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics of the liposomes was evaluated along with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of the liposomal preparations. The liposomes showcased a 12-15% encapsulation efficiency. Sustained release at pH 6.0 as compared to little to no release at pH 7.4 was demonstrated by the pH sensitive liposomes. Also, in acidic pH, an increase in efficacy was observed with a greater decrease in the MIC of the pH responsive liposomes as compared to the lower decrease in MIC of the non pH-responsive liposomes and increase in MIC of free Vancomycin. Thus, from the results it can be concluded that environmentally sensitive liposomes could be developed as a successful carrier of antimicrobial drugs demonstrating effective antimicrobial action.M.S.Includes bibliographical referencesby Varsha Ran