Antibiotic Moxifloxacin Research Articles

An AIE fungal vacuole membrane probe toward species differentiation, vacuole formation visualization, and targeted photodynamic therapy

Vacuoles are unique organelles of fungi. The development of probes targeting the vacuoles membrane will enable visualization of physiological processes and precise diagnosis and therapy. Herein, a zwitterionic molecule, MXF-R, comprising of an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizing unit and an antibiotic moxifloxacin, was found capable of specifically imaging vacuole membrane and using for targeted antifungal therapy. MXF-R demonstrated a higher signal-to-noise ratio, stronger targeting capability, and better biocompatibility than the commercial probe FM4-64. By using MXF-R, real-time visualization of vacuole formation during Candida albicans (C. albicans) proliferation was achieved. More importantly, owing to its varying staining ability towards different fungus, MXF-R could be used to quickly identify C. albicans in mixed strains by fluorescence imaging. Moreover, MXF-R exhibits a remarkable ability to generate reactive oxygen species under white light, effectively eradicating C. albicans by disrupting membrane structure. This antifungal therapy of membrane damage is more effective than clinical drug fluconazole. Therefore, this work not only presents the initial discovery of a probe targeting vacuolar membrane, but also provides a way to develop novel materials to realize integrated diagnosis and therapy.

A New Ray of Hope in the Treatment of Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis: Could Intravitreal Triple Combination Therapy of an Antibiotic with Dual Steroids Play a Pivotal Role?

ABSTRACT Introduction Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU) is a blinding disease in Nepal with unknown aetiology. Henceforth, we proposed to study the treatment outcome of a triple intravitreal combination therapy of dual steroids triamcinolone (long-acting steroid) and dexamethasone (short-acting steroid) along with antibiotic moxifloxacin for patients with severe stage of SHAPU. Methods A prospective study was conducted among the SHAPU patients presenting in severe stages during the September to December 2023 outbreak. Intravitreal injection of 4-mg preservative-free triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg/0.1 ml) with intravitreal dexamethasone injection (0.4 mg/0.1 ml) and 0.5 mg/0.1 ml of moxifloxacin was given in the operating theatre. Best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurements, vitreous haze and fundus evaluation, were assessed to determine the treatment outcome on examination on day 7 and day 30 following intravitreal combination therapy. Result A total of 6 patients (2 female and 4 male) were enrolled. At presentation, the mean BCVA was 2.40 ± 0.30 logMAR, mean intraocular pressure was 12.8 mmHg and vitreous haze was 4+ haze in all cases. The evaluation on the 7th day and 30th after injection showed significant improvement in BCVA (p value = 0.039; p value = 0.040, respectively). The change in the IOP at day 7 (p value = 0.85) was insignificant. However, the IOP change was significant at day 30 (p value = 0.5). Similarly, there was a marked reduction in the vitreous haze with better fundus visibility after treatment. Conclusion This study depicted that steroids prevent the dreaded complication of hypotony due to ciliary shutdown by combating severe inflammation, thus adding new hope to the armamentarium of SHAPU management.

Immunomodulatory Effects and Protection in Sepsis by the Antibiotic Moxifloxacin.

Sepsis is a leading cause of death in Intensive Care Units. Despite its prevalence, sepsis remains insufficiently understood, with no substantial qualitative improvements in its treatment in the past decades. Immunomodulatory agents may hold promise, given the significance of TNF-α and IL-1β as sepsis mediators. This study examines the immunomodulatory effects of moxifloxacin, a fluoroquinolone utilized in clinical practice. THP1 cells were treated in vitro with either PBS or moxifloxacin and subsequently challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or E. coli. C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal injections of LPS or underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), followed by treatment with PBS, moxifloxacin, meropenem or epirubicin. Atm-/- mice underwent CLP and were treated with either PBS or moxifloxacin. Cytokine and organ lesion markers were quantified via ELISA, colony-forming units were assessed from mouse blood samples, and DNA damage was evaluated using a comet assay. Moxifloxacin inhibits the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β in THP1 cells stimulated with LPS or E. coli. Intraperitoneal administration of moxifloxacin significantly increased the survival rate of mice with severe sepsis by 80% (p < 0.001), significantly reducing the plasma levels of cytokines and organ lesion markers. Notably, moxifloxacin exhibited no DNA damage in the comet assay, and Atm-/- mice were similarly protected following CLP, boasting an overall survival rate of 60% compared to their PBS-treated counterparts (p = 0.003). Moxifloxacin is an immunomodulatory agent, reducing TNF-α and IL-1β levels in immune cells stimulated with LPS and E. coli. Furthermore, moxifloxacin is also protective in an animal model of sepsis, leading to a significant reduction in cytokines and organ lesion markers. These effects appear unrelated to its antimicrobial activity or induction of DNA damage.

Synergistic photocatalytic removal of moxifloxacin from aqueous solutions using ZnO-Fe3O4-chitosan composites

The escalating contamination of water bodies with antibiotic residues is an urgent environmental and public health issue. This study aimed to fabricate an innovative photocatalytic composite (CMZ) by combining chitosan, magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4), and zinc oxide (ZnO) for efficiently removing antibiotic moxifloxacin (MFX) water. Comprehensive characterization of the fabricated CMZ was performed using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–Vis DRS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm analysis. The synergistic incorporation of ZnO, Fe3O4, and chitosan in the CMZ composite altered the structural properties of ZnO and chitosan The band gap energy of CMZ was 2.58 eV, significantly boosting its photocatalytic effectiveness under visible light exposure. The CMZ composites exhibited a high efficiency in catalyzing MFX degradation in aqueous environments. The optimal conditions for MFX degradation were established, including a neutral pH level of 7, a 90 min exposure to irradiation, and employing 0.1 g of the CMZ catalyst. The degradation process obeyed closely to the first-order kinetic model. The CMZ material showed consistently high performance in degrading MFX across four consecutive reuse cycles, emphasizing its practical applicability for mitigating antibiotic pollution.

ROS-responsive hydrogels with spatiotemporally sequential delivery of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs for the repair of MRSA-infected wounds.

For the treatment of MRSA-infected wounds, the spatiotemporally sequential delivery of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs is a promising strategy. In this study, ROS-responsive HA-PBA/PVA (HPA) hydrogel was prepared by phenylborate ester bond cross-linking between hyaluronic acid-grafted 3-amino phenylboronic acid (HA-PBA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to achieve spatiotemporally controlled release of two kinds of drug to treat MRSA-infected wound. The hydrophilic antibiotic moxifloxacin (M) was directly loaded in the hydrogel. And hydrophobic curcumin (Cur) with anti-inflammatory function was first mixed with Pluronic F127 (PF) to form Cur-encapsulated PF micelles (Cur-PF), and then loaded into the HPA hydrogel. Due to the different hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature of moxifloxacin and Cur and their different existing forms in the HPA hydrogel, the final HPA/M&Cur-PF hydrogel can achieve different spatiotemporally sequential delivery of the two drugs. In addition, the swelling, degradation, self-healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant property, and biocompatibility of hydrogels were tested. Finally, in the MRSA-infected mouse skin wound, the hydrogel-treated group showed faster wound closure, less inflammation and more collagen deposition. Immunofluorescence experiments further confirmed that the hydrogel promoted better repair by reducing inflammation (TNF-α) and promoting vascular (VEGF) regeneration. In conclusion, this HPA/M&Cur-PF hydrogel that can spatiotemporally sequential deliver antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs showed great potential for the repair of MRSA-infected skin wounds.

A facile approach for the bio-fabrication of monometallic manganese oxide nano-catalyst for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of dyes and drug

The present work describes a green method based on the utilization of egg white for the preparation of manganese oxide (MnO) nanoparticles. The egg white liquid acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Morphological, physical, and optical properties were evaluated by UV–visible spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, and XRD. MnO Nanoparticles have a particle size of 29 nm. Morphological studies show that synthesized nanoparticles exhibit a spherical shape. EDX spectrum shows the presence of distinct peaks of Mn and O atoms with the elemental composition of 50.43 % and 33.83 % respectively. The crystalline construction of nanoparticles was investigated using XRD analysis. To test the potential of these nanoparticles as photocatalysts for the breakdown of drugs and colors in industrial effluent, photocatalysis of the dyes Methylene Blue, Bromophenol Blue, and the antibiotic Moxifloxacin HCl was carried out under sunshine. Maximum degradation efficiency achieved was 92.75 %, 84.60 %, and 73.92 % respectively.

Depot unilamellar liposomes to sustain transscleral drug Co-delivery for ophthalmic infection therapy

Periocular routes represent a promising approach to chronic eye therapy due to its unique exploitation of scleral structure. Especially, for ophthalmic infection requiring prolonged medication, sclera-traversing dosage forms capable of co-delivery of multiple drugs are highly desirable. Herein, phosphatidylcholine-based liposomes co-loading water soluble steroid dexamethasone and antibiotics moxifloxacin (LIP-DM) was developed for transscleral delivery of dual drugs. The size, mono-dispersity and drug entrapment of LIP-DM prepared by microfluidics were highly influenced by varying amounts of lipid composition. Final LIP-DM composing 63mol% phospholipid and 37mol% cholesterol was characterized of colloidal stable unilamellar structure with sub-100 nm size and entrapment of 0.412 mg and 1.21 mg for dexamethasone and moxifloxacin, respectively. Transport of LIP-DM using rabbit scleral tissues showed time-dependent particle penetration and accumulation from episcleral to intraocular side. Compared to immediate release of drugs in solution, LIP-DM exhibited differential release of dual drugs with fast antibiotics release and slow steroid release within 1 day, which in turn increased the transscleral contact time yet maintained effective permeability of dual drugs, leading to the rapid bacteriostatic onset and enhanced inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines in human retinal pigment epithelial cells. The results highlight liposomes as a potential transscleral depot of drug combination for the long-term vision care.

Mechanistic and biophysical insight into the inhibitory and disaggregase role of antibiotic moxifloxacin on human lysozyme amyloid formation

Lysozyme amyloidosis is a systemic non-neuropathic disease caused by the accumulation of amyloids of mutant lysozyme. Presently, therapeutic interventions targeting lysozyme amyloidosis, remain elusive with only therapy available for lysozyme amyloidosis being supportive management. In this work, we examined the effects of moxifloxacin, a synthetic fluoroquinolone antibiotic on the amyloid formation of human lysozyme. The ability of moxifloxacin to interfere with lysozyme amyloid aggregation was examined using various biophysical methods like Rayleigh light scattering, Thioflavin T fluorescence assay, transmission electron microscopy and docking method. The reduction in scattering and ThT fluorescence along with extended lag phase in presence of moxifloxacin, suggest that the antibiotic inhibits and impedes the lysozyme fibrillation in concentration dependent manner. From ANS experiment, we deduce that moxifloxacin is able to decrease the hydrophobicity of the protein molecule thereby preventing aggregation. Our CD and DLS results show that moxifloxacin stabilizes the protein in its native monomeric structure, thus also showing retention of lytic activity upto 69% and inhibition of cytotoxicity at highest concentration of moxifloxacin. The molecular docking showed that moxifloxacin forms a stable complex of −7.6 kcal/mol binding energy and binds to the aggregation prone region of lysozyme thereby stabilising it and preventing aggregation. Moxifloxacin also showed disaggregase potential by disrupting fibrils and decreasing the β-sheet content of the fibrils. Our current study, thus highlight the anti-amyloid and disaggregase property of an antibiotic moxifloxacin and hence sheds light on the future of antibiotics against protein aggregation, a hallmark event in many neurodegenerative diseases.

A multifunctional fluorescence MOF material: Triple-channel pH detection for strong acid and strong base, recognition of moxifloxacin and tannic acid

A luminescent 1D metal–organic framework [Co(apba)2(H2O)2] (1) was solvothermal synthesized by using 4-(2-aminopyrimidine-5-yl)benzoic acid (Hapba) as ligand. 1 showed pronounced sensing properties with triple-channel specific recognition ability for strong acid-base and weak acid. From pH = 3.5 to 2.0, the fluorescence quenching percentage reached 1064 % per pH at 412 nm due to the protonation of –NH2. In the pH region of 3.5–4.5, 1 realizes wavelength-based pH detection depending on the wavelength shift of 30 nm from 412 nm to 382 nm originating from the protonation of nitrogen atom in pyrimidine. In the pH range of 11.5–13.4, the fluorescence quenching percentage reached 2099 % per pH relying on the interaction between OH– and uncoordinated oxygen atom on carboxylate group. This is the first example that a MOF-based pH sensor can detect strong acid-base and weak acid, and their sensitivity to pH is likewise the highest among all pH fluorescent sensors. 1 can also detect antibiotic moxifloxacin (MOX) and polyphenol compound tannic acid (TA) with the limit of detection (LOD) at the 10 ppb level. In the recognition of 1 for MOX, KSV is 2.05 × 105 M−1 (0–100 μM) and LOD reaches 43 nM, which is the first case of a MOF-based MOX sensor so far. The fluorescence response of 1 to TA is also apparent with the KSV value of 7.55 × 105 M−1 (0–0.05 μM) and LOD of 11 nM. This is as well the only instance of MOF material sensing TA to date. Moreover, 1 can continuously track MOX and TA for up to 90 days. The sensing mechanisms of pH, MOX, and TA are also discussed in detail.

Sulfur-doped mesoporous ferric oxide used for effectively activating H2O2 to degrade moxifloxacin

High energy consumption is the bottleneck in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for applying in eliminating refractory organic contaminants. Fenton catalysis is deemed to be the promising technology of AOPs to produce super-active hydroxyl radical ( ·OH) for tackling serious water environment pollution issues. Here, magnetic mesoporous sulfur-doped ferric oxide (PS-Fe) composite, prepared through simple co-precipitation method, was creatively introduced to activate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to generate ·OH for degrading emerging antibiotic moxifloxacin (MOX). The catalytic activity of PS-Fe was significantly elevated by sulfurization to achieve a degradation efficiency of 97 % and total organic carbon removal exceeding 44 % (within 30 min). Besides, we investigated the effects of catalyst dosage and H2O2 concentration, initial pH value, temperature, and humic acid concentration on MOX degradation. Quenching experiments results indicate that ·OH, O2 ·–, and 1O2 participated in the degradation process of MOX, and ·OH plays the predominant role. Additionally, possible activation mechanism is proposed and possible reaction intermediates are speculated. This work can offer a novel and reasonable interpretation for designing heterogeneous iron-based materials in activating H2O2 to degrade pollutants.

Design of moxifloxacin encapsulated network hydrogel wound dressings: Evaluation of polymer‐drug, polymer‐blood, and polymer‐bio membrane interactions

AbstractIt is an exploration of the inherent wound‐healing tendency of Azadirachta indica gum (AIG) or neem gum polysaccharides to develop the hydrogel wound dressings with enhanced potential during wound management. Herein this research work, antibiotic moxifloxacin encapsulated AIG network copolymeric hydrogels were developed by functionalizing with carbapol and poly(acrylamide) [poly(AAm)] for better wound healing. The polymer‐drug, polymer‐blood, and polymer‐bio membrane interactions were evaluated in biomedical properties. The copolymeric network structure was confirmed by scanning electron micrographs (SEMs), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and 13C solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results confirmed sustained release of the moxifloxacin with diffusion by non‐Fickian process and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetic model in the phosphate buffer saline (PBS). These interactions inferred the blood‐compatible (hemolytic index 3.41 ± 0.70%) and mucoadhesive nature (polymer‐biomembrane detachment force 0.09 ± 0.01 mN) of hydrogel dressing. The per gram of hydrogel dressings absorbed 10.22 ± 0.23 g of simulated wound fluid which is very useful to maintain moist wound environment for better wound healing. All these interactions and properties indicated the suitability of the hydrogel material for wound dressing applications for better wound care.

Antibiofilm Combinatory Strategy: Moxifloxacin-Loaded Nanosystems and Encapsulated N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine.

Bacterial biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, formed on implants, have a massive impact on the increasing number of antimicrobial resistance cases. The current treatment for biofilm-associated infections is based on the administration of antibiotics, failing to target the biofilm matrix. This work is focused on the development of multiple lipid nanoparticles (MLNs) encapsulating the antibiotic moxifloxacin (MOX). The nanoparticles were functionalized with d-amino acids to target the biofilm matrix. The produced formulations exhibited a mean hydrodynamic diameter below 300 nm, a low polydispersity index, and high encapsulation efficiency. The nanoparticles exhibited low cytotoxicity towards fibroblasts and low hemolytic activity. To target bacterial cells and the biofilm matrix, MOX-loaded MLNs were combined with a nanosystem encapsulating a matrix-disruptive agent: N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). The nanosystems alone showed a significant reduction of both S. aureus biofilm viability and biomass, using the microtiter plate biofilm model. Further, biofilms grown inside polyurethane catheters were used to assess the effect of combining MOX-loaded and NAC-loaded nanosystems on biofilm viability. An increased antibiofilm efficacy was observed when combining the functionalized MOX-loaded MLNs and NAC-loaded nanosystems. Thus, nanosystems as carriers of bactericidal and matrix-disruptive agents are a promising combinatory strategy towards the eradication of S. aureus biofilms.

Enzymatic Resolution of cis‐Dimethyl‐1‐acetylpiperidine‐2,3‐dicarboxylate for the Preparation of a Moxifloxacin Building Block

AbstractThis work presents the enantioselective resolution of a water‐soluble racemic mixture of cis‐dimethyl 1‐acetylpiperidine‐2,3‐dicarboxylate catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase B. The separation of the carboxylic acid product in its (2R,3S) configuration from non‐reacted substrate in the (2S,3R) configuration was easily obtained by organic phase extraction. The latter molecule can be used as an enantiomerically pure precursor in the synthesis of (4aS,7aS)‐octahydro‐1H‐pyrrolo[3,4‐b]pyridine, an expensive building block in the production of the antibiotic Moxifloxacin. On the other hand, the hydrolyzed product in the (2R,3S) configuration can be used for the preparation of a neuromediator analogue. The lipase demonstrated enantioselectivity towards the (2R,3S) substrate enantiomer and regioselectivity towards the ester in position 3 of the molecule. Studies of hydrolysis kinetics and the use of the immobilized enzyme were performed to evaluate its industrial application.

Hydroxypropyl methacrylamide-based copolymeric nanoparticles loaded with moxifloxacin as a mucoadhesive, cornea-penetrating nanomedicine eye drop with enhanced therapeutic benefits in bacterial keratitis

Bacterial keratitis (BK) is a leading cause of visual impairment. The fluoroquinolone antibiotic moxifloxacin (Mox), being highly water-soluble, suffers from poor corneal penetration leading to unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes in BK. Here, we prepared Mox-loaded co-polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) by entrapping the drug in co-polymeric NPs constituted by the self-assembly of a water-soluble copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)-b-p(hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (mPH). The polymer (mPH) was prepared using a radical polymerization technique at different mPEG: HPMA ratios of 1:70/100/150. The polymer/nanoparticles were characterized by GPC, CAC, DLS, SEM, XRD, DSC, FTIR, % DL, % EE, and release studies. The ex vivo muco-adhesiveness and corneal permeation ability were judged using a texture analyzer and Franz Diffusion Cells. In vitro cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and safety assessment were performed using HCE cells in monolayers, spheroids, and multilayers in transwells. The DOE-optimized colloidal solution of Mox-mPH NPs (1:150) displayed a particle size of ~116 nm, superior drug loading (8.3%), entrapment (83.2%), robust mucoadhesion ex vivo, and ocular retention in vivo (~6 h) (judged by in vivo image analysis). The non-irritant formulation, Mox-mPH NPs (1:150) (proven by HET-CAM test) exhibited intense antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae, and S. aureus in vitro analyzed by live-dead cells assay, zone of inhibition studies, and by determining the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. The polymeric nanoparticles, mPH (1:150), decreased the opacity and the bacterial load compared to the other treatment groups. The studies warrant the safe and effective topical application of the Mox-mPH NPs solution in bacterial keratitis.

Soft Modelling of the Photolytic Degradation of Moxifloxacin Combining Surface enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Multivariate Curve Resolution

The antibiotic moxifloxacin had a recent surge in its use due to its broad spectrum of activity. However, due to the low metabolization inside the organism, it became an environmental concern. Here, the photolytic degradation of moxifloxacin antibiotic in alkaline medium was carried out and monitored through SERS spectroscopy. Multivariate curve resolution method was applied to extract quantitative and kinetic information about the whole process, using correlation constraint to simultaneously quantify the variation of moxifloxacin concentration. The results showed that the photolysis follows an apparent first order kinetics with half-life of 47.5 min. Also, SERS spectrum along with the calculated Raman spectra suggest that cleavage of the diazabicyclonyl substituent is the preferred photodegradation pathway, in agreement with previous reports.

In vitro and in vivo biological assessment of dual drug-loaded coaxial nanofibers for the treatment of corneal abrasion

The treatment of corneal abrasion currently involves the topical administration of antibiotics, with moxifloxacin HCl (0.5% w/v) eye drops being one of the most widely used treatments. Our previous work (Tawfik et al., 2020) involved the development of coaxial poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanofibers loaded with the antibiotic moxifloxacin HCl and the anti-scarring agent pirfenidone in the core (PVP) and shell (PLGA) respectively, with a view to the system comprising an ocular insert for the combination therapy of corneal abrasion. In this study, we examine the antimicrobial, anti-scarring and pharmacokinetic properties of the fibers alongside consideration of their toxicity and propensity for irritation. Minimum inhibitory concentration and zone of inhibition studies against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa were performed, while fibroblast cell viability and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA, a biomarker for scar formation) were measured using MTT and Western Blot assays, respectively. Pharmacokinetic studies and efficacy against infection were performed using a rabbit model, while ocular irritancy was assessed using the Draize test. The studies demonstrated that the antimicrobial activity of the moxifloxacin HCl was preserved following encapsulation into the nanofibers, while the downregulation of α-SMA was demonstrated using concentrations below the IC20 values (concentration required to decrease corneal fibroblast viability by no more than 20%). The pharmacokinetic study showed retention and sustained release of the moxifloxacin HCl over a 24-hour period, in contrast to equivalent eye drops which required four times daily dosing. Evidence of low level (according to the MMTS scale) irritation was detected for the nanofiber systems. Overall, the study has demonstrated that the dual drug-loaded nanofiber system shows potential for once daily dosing as an ocular insert for the treatment of corneal abrasion.

Moxifloxacin-loaded in situ synthesized Bioceramic/Poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) composite scaffolds for treatment of osteomyelitis and orthopedic regeneration

High local intraosseous levels of antimicrobial agents are required for adequate long-term treatment of chronic osteomyelitis (OM). In this study, biodegradable composite scaffolds of poly-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone/calcium phosphate (CaP) were in-situ synthesized using two different polymer grades and synthesis pathways and compared to composites prepared by pre-formed (commercially available) CaP for delivery of the antibiotic moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MOX). Phase identification and characterization by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the successful formation of different CaP phases within the biodegradable polymer matrix. The selected in-situ formed CaP scaffold showed a sustained release for MOX for six weeks and adequate porosity. Cell viability study on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells revealed that the selected composite scaffold maintained the cellular proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, it was able to diminish the bacterial load, inflammation and sequestrum formation in the bones of OM-induced animals. The results of the present work deduce that the selected in-situ formed CaP composite scaffold is a propitious candidate for OM treatment, and further clinical experiments are recommended.

Hybrid aptamer-molecularly imprinted polymer (AptaMIP) nanoparticles selective for the antibiotic moxifloxacin

A polymerisable aptamer incorporated into Molecularly Imprinted Polymer nanoparticles (MIPs) creates a hybrid “best-of-both-worlds” approach which outperforms individual constituent components.

A simple displacement aptamer assay on resistive pulse sensor for small molecule detection

A universal aptamer-based sensing strategy is proposed using DNA modified nanocarriers and Resistive Pulse Sensing (RPS) for the rapid (≤20 min) and label free detection of small molecules. The surface of a magnetic nanocarrier was first modified with a ssDNA (anchor) which is designed to be partially complimentary in sequence to the ssDNA aptamer. The aptamer and anchor form a stable dsDNA complex on the nanocarriers surface. Upon the addition of the target molecule, a conformational change takes place where the aptamer preferentially binds to the target over the anchor; causing the aptamer to be released into solution. The RPS measures the change in velocity of the nanocarrier as its surface changes from dsDNA to ssDNA, and its velocity is used as a proxy for the concentration of the target. The length of the aptamer and the ability to extract and preconcentrate the nanocarriers using a magnet, is shown to affect the sensitivity. We illustrate the versatility of the assay using the same anchor sequence and Aptamers to the antibiotic Moxifloxacin, and chemotherapeutics Imatinib and Irinotecan. In addition, the proposed assay can be easily extended to detect multiple analytes simultaneously, by utilizing nanocarriers with different diameters. Each sized particle is functionalised with a the same anchor but a unique aptamer. We illustrate this with the simultaneous detection of Imatinib and Moxifloxacin. The strategy could be easily adapted to a range of targets and unlike previous strategies that use aptamer modified nanocarriers, the signal is not dependent upon the tertiary structure of the aptamer-target interaction.

Moxifloxacin-imprinted silicone-based hydrogels as contact lens materials for extended drug release

Contact lenses may act as drug release platforms for the treatment of ocular infections, but there is still the need for extending their typical release periods and enhancing ocular bioavailability. The present study aimed to develop a molecularly imprinted silicone-based hydrogel to be used in the manufacturing of contact lenses that can be loaded efficiently and be able to release the antibiotic moxifloxacin hydrochloride (MXF) in a sustained way. A set of hydrogels was prepared by the molecular imprinting method using acrylic acid (AA) as the functional monomer for the specific recognition of MXF. The modified hydrogels loaded a higher amount of MXF, which was released for a longer time. In vitro experiments, using a microfluidic cell to mimic the ocular surface fluid turnover, showed that the imprinted hydrogel TRIS(300)-I prepared with the highest content in AA led to MXF concentrations in the release medium which were effective against S. aureus and S. epidermidis for about 2 weeks. Furthermore, some important properties such as water uptake, wettability, transmittance, ionic permeability, and Young´s modulus of the modified hydrogel remained within the range of values recommended for contact lenses. No cytotoxicity and no potential ocular irritancy effect were detected. Such hydrogel seems to be a promising alternative to the current options for the treatment of ocular infections.