Therapeutic Efficacy of Epigallocatechin Gallate-Loaded Nanoliposomes against Burn Wound Infection by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Background/Aim: Staphylococcus aureus remains a common cause of burn wound infection. Different studies have shown that the entrapment of plant-derived material such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in liposomes could increase their anti-S. aureus activity. The objectives of this study were to prepare EGCG-loaded nanoliposomes with variable surface charges and to evaluate their efficacy in vitro and in vivo against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Study Design/Methods: EGCG-loaded nanoliposomes with positive, negative and neutral surface charges were prepared by extrusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of EGCG nanoliposomal forms against MRSA were determined by broth dilution method. The killing rates of the free and nanoliposomal forms of EGCG were analyzed. Ultimately, the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of the nanoliposomes in burned mouse skin infected by MRSA was investigated. Results: The MICs of the free, cationic, neutral and anionic nanoliposomal forms of EGCG against MRSA were 128, 16, 32 and 256 mg/l, respectively. The killing rates of the EGCG-loaded cationic nanoliposomes were higher than those of the other formulations. Treatment with the EGCG-loaded nanoliposomes with positive, neutral and negative surface charges resulted in almost 100, 70 and 30% survival rates, respectively. Conclusion: The data suggested that the cationic EGCG-loaded nanoliposomes would be a good choice for the treatment of MRSA infections due to its high effectiveness.