Antibacterial Effect of Co-Loaded Curcumin and Rutin in Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Compared to their Loading Alone.

Aims: The present study aimed to assess the antibacterial effect of co-loaded rutin and curcumin in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Cur-Rut-MSNs).

Background: Rutin is a nontoxic phytochemical that is present expansively in vegetables and fruits. Curcumin is an active ingredient of Curcuma longa. Curcumin and rutin have a variety of therapeutic effects, essentially antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant actions.

Objective: Low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability of rutin and curcumin limit their application in therapeutic goals. One of the advantageous routes to improve their bioavailability and solubility is nanoformulation. Co-delivery of therapeutic agents has been reported to have better therapeutic effects than monotherapy.

Methods: The present study has evaluated the antibacterial properties of Cur-Rut-MSNs. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Cur-Rut-MSNs has been assessed against different bacteria.

Results: Cur-Rut-MSNs exerted significantly higher antibacterial effect than curcumin-loaded MSNs (Cur-MSNs) and rutin-loaded MSNs (Rut-MSNs) against Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The antibacterial effect was enhanced by the co-loading of rutin and curcumin in MSNs. According to the findings of this study, Cur-Rut-MSNs exhibit an antibacterial effect and can be a favorable nanoformulation against planktonic bacteria.