Fabrication of Zein-Chitosan-Zein Sandwich-Like Nanofibers Containing Teicoplanin as a Local Antibacterial Drug Delivery System.

Purpose: The parenteral antibiotic therapies have always been associated with several limitations that could be overcome by nano-based drug delivery systems. In this study, we aimed to fabricate teicoplanin-loaded zein-chitosan (CS)-zein sandwich-like electrospun nanofibers for targeted drug delivery. Methods: The sandwich-like structures of zein-CS/teicoplanin-zein nanofibers were fabricated by the electrospinning process. Nanofiber membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), drug encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release profile, and tensile strength studies. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the neat teicoplanin and zein-CS/teicoplanin-zein nanofibers was evaluated in static and dynamic conditions. Results: SEM images demonstrated the use of suitable electrospinning conditions that led to the fabrication of the smooth and bead-free nanofibers with nanoscale diameter formation. FTIR and DSC analysis confirmed the presence and uniform distribution of the drug and also the interaction between the teicoplanin and chitosan in the formulation. The concentration of teicoplanin has a direct effect on the increase of mechanical tensile properties of sandwich-like nanofibers. In vitro release profile assay showed a burst release of teicoplanin during the first 24 h followed by a slow-release profile for 19 days. Finally, zein-CS/teicoplanin-zein nanofiber membranes showed significantly higher antibacterial activity compared with neat zein-CS-zein nanofibers and teicoplanin alone at the same concentration. Conclusion: These results indicate that zein-CS-zein nanofibers would be a prospective candidate for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of local infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]