Characterisation andin vitroantimicrobial potential of liposome encapsulated silver ions againstCandida albicans

Abstract

Liposomes are biocompatible, biodegradable, controlled delivery systems with the ability to encapsulate both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds, including metal ions. Liposome encapsulated Ag(+) (lipo-Ag(+)), prepared by reverse-phase evaporation, was used as a controlled delivery system against Candida albicans. Characterisation of the lipo-Ag(+) indicated that the multilamellar vesicles with diameters ranging between ≈ 0.5 and 5.0 μm showed potential as a controlled delivery system to consistently deliver Ag(+) to C. albicans. Results from inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis showed higher association of cell bound Ag(+) at 15 mins post exposure when compared to unencapsulated Ag(+). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicate detrimental effects of Ag(+) on C. albicans cell structure. These effects along with the ICP results also correlate with previously reported time kill experiment observations.

Nanoparticle-Based Wound Dressing: Recent Progress in the Detection and Therapy of Bacterial Infections

“…Liposomes have hydrophilic inner core and hydrophobic shell, and have been extensively studied as delivery vehicles for wound healing, because of their capacity to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic therapeutic agents, including antibiotics, , and bactericidal ions . Liposomes can facilitate the penetration of therapeutic agents into bacterial cells and thus increase the intracellular concentration of drugs to kill bacteria and inhibit growth of biofilms.…”