Dual-Loaded Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles: A Novel approach for treating polymicrobial osteomyelitis

Abstract

Developing innovative approaches to target osteomyelitis caused by polymicrobial infections remains a significant therapeutic challenge. In this study, monodispersed chitosan nanoparticles co-loaded with antibacterial (minocycline) and antifungal (voriconazole) agents were successfully prepared. Minocycline presented higher encapsulation efficiency as compared to voriconazole. Thermostability analysis suggested interactions between the co-loaded drugs within the dual-delivery system, potentially limiting voriconazole release. The dual-loaded chitosan nanoparticles exhibited significant in vitro anti-biofilm activity, achieving up to a 90% reduction in polymicrobial biofilms of S. aureus and C. albicans. Additionally, the nanoparticles showed cytocompatibility with a human osteoblast cell line. These findings highlight the potential of this dual-delivery chitosan-based nanoparticle system to address a critical gap in osteomyelitis treatment by targeting both bacterial and fungal pathogens.