Chemical synthesis of chitosan/silver nanocomposites films loaded with moxifloxacin: Their characterization and potential antibacterial activity

This article reports moxifloxacin (Mox)-loaded nanocomposite films (CSN) of chitosan and chemically reduced silver (Ag). The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by specific surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks detected via UV-Visible spectroscopy at the wavelength range of 400-450 nm. The embedded Mox was chemically characterized and kinetically analyzed for in-vitro drug release and ex-vivo drug permeation through rat skin. The prepared films presented higher swelling ratio and lower tensile strength (TS) and better elongation at break (EB) than control formulation (pure chitosan film). All the prepared Mox-loaded, non-crosslinked formulations presented sustained release of drug up to 12 h while slow and prolonged drug release up to 36 h was observed in Mox-loaded crosslinked CSN films. Drug permeation studies indicated that the maximum cumulative amount of Mox permeated (%) among Mox-loaded, non-crosslinked CSN films was displayed by CSM1 (57.79%); while in case of Mox-loaded, crosslinked CSN films, the highest drug permeation was presented by CSM18 (62.87%) in 24 h. The antibacterial efficacy of the prepared films was tested in-vitro against S. aureus (ATCC # 6538), P. aeruginosa (ATCC # 9721) and two clinically isolated strains of methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). CSN films presented excellent against the all the selected strains with antibacterial potential being highest against S. aureus. In summary, the promising antibacterial potential of the CSN films recommend its biomedical application for use in wound dressing.