THE DEVELOPMENT OF NIOSOMAL DELIVERY SYSTEM CO-LOADED WITH SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND GINGER ESSENTIAL OIL FOR SYNERGISTIC ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY
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Date
2025-12-21
Authors
Rattrout, Alaa
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has increased the demand for alternative therapeutic strategies combining natural agents and nanotechnology. This study developed and evaluated a niosomal drug delivery system co-loaded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and ginger essential oil (GEO) to enhance antibacterial activity. Ginger essential oil (GEO) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are promising antimicrobial agents, but their clinical use is limited by volatility, instability, and potential toxicity.
In our study, Dual delivery Nano-carrier was designed to improve the physicochemical stability, control the release profile, and enhance antimicrobial potency of GEO and AgNPs. Thin film hydration method was utilized to prepare niosomal system, using non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol, all prepared formulation then characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and morphology. All vesicles were Nano sized (blank and loaded nisosomal vesicles < 70 nm) with low PDI (≤ 0.313) and moderately negative zeta potentials (about -28 to -33 mV).
Spherical, well-dispersed system of all niosomal formulation were confirmed using AFM images. Co-loaded niosomal formulations limited GEO and AgNPs release at 48h to 71.9%, 56.88%, respectively. Marked reductions in MIC values upon encapsulation, showing the lowest MICs (e.g. 12.5 µg/ml against Klebsiella pneumoniae vs 100 and 50 µg/ml for free GEO and AgNPs, respectively). The co-loaded system showed a strong bactericidal activity against most of the tested microorganisms, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, MRSA, and S. epidermidis. Highest glutathione depletion associated with co-loading system with 75.5% depletion.
Overall, the co-loaded niosomal system combine favorable nanoscale characteristics, controlled release, and synergistically enhanced antimicrobial efficacy, highlighting their potential as multifunctional antimicrobial Nano carriers.