Encapsulation and Characterization of Meropenem in Niosome Nanoparticles and Inhibitory Effects of Antibiofilm and Antibacterial on Methicillin and Vancomycin Resistant Strains of Staphylococcus Aureus

Abstract Background: We aim to assess the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of niosome-encapsulated meropenem. Methods: After isolating S. aureus isolates and determining their microbial sensitivity, their ability to form biofilms was examined using plate microtiter assay. Various formulations of niosome-encapsulated meropenem were prepared using the thin-film hydration method, Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC) and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) were determined, and biofilm genes expression was examined. Drug formulations’ toxicity effect on HDF cells were determined using MTT assay.Results: Out of the 162 separated Staphylococcus aureus, 106 were resistant to methicillin. 87 MRSA isolates were vancomycin-resistant, all of which could form biofilms. The F1 formulation of neoplastic meropenem with a size of 51.3 ± 5.84 and an encapsulation index of 84.86 ± 3.14 was detected, which prevented biofilm growth with a BDI index of 69% and reduced icaD, FnbA, Ebps biofilms’ expression with p ≤0.05 in addition to reducing MBIC and MIC by 4-6 times. Interestingly, F1 formulation of neoplastic meropenem indicated cell viability over 90% at all tested concentrations. Conclusions: Results of the present study indicate that niosome-encapsulated meropenem reduces the resistance of Staphylococcus aureus MRSA to antibiotics in addition to increasing its anti-biofilm and antibiotic activity, and could prove useful as a new strategy for drug delivery.