Development and Characterization of Copper–Levofloxacin Nanoparticles: In-Vitro Evaluation Against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain
Abstract
This study investigates the synthesis, optimization, and characterization of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with the antibiotic levofloxacin, aiming to enhance its activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CuO NPs were synthesized via a precipitation method, and levofloxacin was incorporated into the nanoparticles. Optimization of the formulation was conducted by varying copper precursor concentration (0.1–0.5 M), pH (9–10), reaction temperature (60–80°C), and the levofloxacin-to-CuO NP ratio (1:2 to 1:6). The optimized CuO-levofloxacin nanoparticle formulation (Cu-LF-NPs) showed a particle size of approximately 82 ± 5 nm with a zeta potential of -18 mV and an encapsulation efficiency of 75%. In-vitro antibacterial testing revealed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4–8 µg/mL for Cu-LF-NPs against MDR P. aeruginosa, compared to 8–16 µg/mL for free levofloxacin and 64 µg/mL for bare CuO-NPs. Time-kill kinetics demonstrated >99% bacterial reduction within 6 hours at 2× MIC of Cu-LF-NPs, whereas free levofloxacin achieved a similar reduction only at 12 hours. Furthermore, biofilm inhibition assays showed >50% reduction in biofilm formation with Cu-LF-NPs, compared to ~30% for free levofloxacin and ~20% for CuO-NPs. These results suggest that CuO-levofloxacin nanoparticles significantly enhance the antibacterial activity of levofloxacin, offering a promising approach to combat MDR P. aeruginosa infections.
How to Cite
Rashmi, Dr Neeraj Sethi, "Development and Characterization of Copper–Levofloxacin Nanoparticles: In-Vitro Evaluation Against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain", Vol. 3, Issue 8, 08-11-2025, pp. 1-11.
