Metallic Ion-Enhanced Levofloxacin Nanocarriers: Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles for Targeting MDR Salmonella enterica
Abstract
The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica strains presents a growing threat to public health. This study investigates the fabrication and evaluation of MgO (Magnesium Oxide) nanoparticles as a metallic ion-enhanced carrier for the antibiotic levofloxacin, aimed at combating MDR Salmonella enterica. MgO nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol-gel method, yielding particles with an average size of 241 ± 5 nm and a zeta potential of −40.76 ± 2 mV. Characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the uniformity and spherical morphology of the nanoparticles. Levofloxacin was successfully loaded onto the MgO nanoparticles, achieving an encapsulation efficiency of 87–91%. The drug release profile, assessed in simulated body fluid at 37°C, indicated a controlled and sustained release over 24 hours, with an initial burst release of approximately 30% within the first 2 hours. In vitro antibacterial assays demonstrated that the MgO-levofloxacin nanotherapeutics exhibited a significant enhancement in antimicrobial activity against MDR Salmonella enterica strains, showing a 3.5-fold increase in zone of inhibition compared to free levofloxacin. The enhanced antibacterial effect is attributed to the combined action of levofloxacin and the ionic disruption of the bacterial membrane by MgO. These results suggest that MgO-based nanotherapeutics hold great promise as a novel approach to overcoming antibiotic resistance in MDR Salmonella enterica infections.
How to Cite
Madhu Bala, "Metallic Ion-Enhanced Levofloxacin Nanocarriers: Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles for Targeting MDR Salmonella enterica", Vol. 3, Issue 3, 06-06-2025, pp. 58-70.
