This record provides bibliographic details and links to the original research. An editorial study breakdown is not available.
What the researchers found
pH-responsive nanoplexes combining a plant antimicrobial peptide with vancomycin showed 2-fold stronger activity against MRSA, 5-fold better biofilm eradication, and 4-5 fold reduced bacterial burden in kidneys, liver, and blood of mice with MRSA infection.
Why it matters
MRSA is a leading cause of hospital deaths. This nanoparticle delivery system makes vancomycin far more effective by combining it with an antimicrobial peptide in a pH-triggered release system.
The numbers in context
Particle size 159.5 nm. Encapsulation efficiency 82.34%. 2-fold enhanced activity vs S. aureus and MRSA. 5-fold greater MRSA biofilm eradication. In vivo: 5-fold reduction in kidney MRSA, 4-fold in liver and blood. pH-accelerated VCM release at acidic pH.
How the study worked
Formulated nanoplexes from plant AMP and sodium alginate loaded with vancomycin. Characterized size, zeta potential, encapsulation, pH-responsive release. In vitro: MIC, biofilm eradication. In vivo: MRSA systemic infection in mice, organ bacterial burden, inflammation markers.
Who was studied
Mice with MRSA systemic infection; S. aureus and MRSA in vitro
What this study cannot tell us
Specific plant AMP not named in abstract. Mouse model may not reflect human MRSA infection. Toxicity profile needs more characterization. Manufacturing scalability not addressed.
Read the original research
Formulation of pH-responsive nanoplexes based on an antimicrobial peptide and sodium alginate for targeted delivery of vancomycin against resistant bacteria.
Biological chemistry, 406(8-9), 369-389
Citation
Shahin, Shourok; Omolo, Calvin A; Elhassan, Eman; Ismail, Eman A; Farukh, Sania; Govender, Jasoda; Faya, Mbuso; Govender, Thirumala. (2025). Formulation of pH-responsive nanoplexes based on an antimicrobial peptide and sodium alginate for targeted delivery of vancomycin against resistant bacteria.. Biological chemistry, 406(8-9), 369-389. https://doi.org/10.1515/hsz-2025-0142