ZnO/chitosan nanocomposites as a new approach for delivery LL37 and evaluation of the inhibitory effects against biofilm-producing Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical samples

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2023-12, Vol.253 (Pt 8), p.127583, Article 127583
• Main Authors: Rashki, Somaye, Dawi, Elmuez A., Zilaei, Mohammad Reza, Safardoust-Hojaghan, Hossein, Ghanbari, Mojgan, Ryadh, Abrar, Lafta, Holya A., Khaledi, Azad, Salavati-Niasari, Masoud
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-Bacterial Agents - chemistry; Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Antibacterial; Biofilm; Biofilms; Chitosan - chemistry; LL37 chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nanocomposites - chemistry; Peptides - pharmacology; Zinc Oxide - chemistry; Zinc Oxide - pharmacology
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127583

Modification surface of chitosan nanoparticles using ZnO nanoparticles is important interest in drug delivery because of the beneficial properties. In this study, we proposed a chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite for the targeted delivery of antibacterial peptide (LL37). Synthesized LL37-loaded chitosan/ZnO nanocomposite (CS/ZnO/LL37-NCs) was based on the ionotropic gelation method. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized platform versus Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was determined by the microdilution method in 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer. The biofilm formation inhibitory was also evaluated using microtiter plate method. In addition, the ability of CS/ZnO/LL37-NCs on the icaA gene expression level was assessed by the Real-Time PCR. The loading and release investigations confirmed the suitability of CS/ZnO-NCs for LL37 encapsulation. Results showed 6 log10 CFU/ml reduction in MRSA treated with the CS/ZnO/LL37-NPs. Moreover, CS/ZnO/LL37-NCs showed 81 % biofilm formation inhibition than LL37 alone. Also, icaA gene expression decreased 1-fold in the face of CS/ZnO/LL37-NCs. In conclusion, the modification surface of chitosan nanoparticles with ZnO nanoparticles is a suitable chemical platform for the delivery of LL37 that could be used as a promising nanocarrier for enhancing the delivery of antibacterial peptide and improving the antibacterial activity of LL37. •Fabrication LL37-loaded Chitosan/ZnO Nanocomposite via an ionic gelation approach method.•Characterization of product by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) techniques.•The excellent antibiofilm activity of LL37-loaded chitosan /ZnO nanocomposite than alone LL37.•The chitosan /ZnO nanocomposite compared to chitosan /NPs is biocomposite more effective to improve the LL37 antibacterial properties.