Vanadium Oxide Nanoparticle-Enhanced Levofloxacin Delivery Against Multidrug-Resistant Listeria monocytogenes
Abstract
The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Listeria monocytogenes represents a growing threat to public health, particularly in foodborne illnesses. In this study, we developed vanadium oxide (V₂O₅)-based nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the antibacterial effect of levofloxacin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, against MDR L. monocytogenes. The NPs were synthesized using a solvent evaporation method to encapsulate levofloxacin, and their physicochemical properties were characterized through various techniques. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed that the NPs had an average size of 85 ± 3 nm, while zeta potential measurements showed a negative surface charge of -21 ± 2 mV, indicating stability in suspension. The encapsulation efficiency of levofloxacin was 72 ± 5%, suggesting an efficient drug loading process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images confirmed that the NPs were spherical in shape, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the crystalline structure of the vanadium oxide nanoparticles. The antibacterial activity of the levofloxacin-loaded vanadium oxide NPs was evaluated against MDR L. monocytogenes using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays and zone of inhibition (ZOI) tests. The MIC value was found to be 0.25 μg/mL, significantly lower than that of free levofloxacin (1 μg/mL), indicating a synergistic effect between the drug and the vanadium oxide NPs. The zone of inhibition was 35 ± 2 mm, compared to 18 ± 1 mm for free levofloxacin.
How to Cite
Madhu Bala, "Vanadium Oxide Nanoparticle-Enhanced Levofloxacin Delivery Against Multidrug-Resistant Listeria monocytogenes", Vol. 3, Issue 5, 02-08-2025, pp. 18-25.
