Dual functional chitosan-coated spanlastics for topical delivery of ceftazidime in the treatment of bacterial burn wound infections

Oct 13, 2026

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Burn wound infections (BWIs) drive morbidity and mortality through persistent bacterial biofilms, enzymatic antibiotic degradation, and limited drug penetration. A dual-functional ceftazidime-loaded chitosan-coated spanlastics embedded in carbopol hydrogel (CCNP-G) was developed to enhance antimicrobial action and biofilm disruption. Molecular docking supported chitosan-mediated bio-adhesion and protection of ceftazidime, while CEFT binding favored PBP3 interaction. CCNP showed nanoscale size, positive zeta potential, high entrapment, and sustained release with improved skin retention, enhanced ex vivo penetration, and accelerated in vivo healing in rats versus 1% silver sulfadiazine.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages24

Reading Time1 h 0 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Burn wound infections and biofilm-mediated antibiotic resistance

Ceftazidime (CFZ) mechanism and limitations in burn wounds

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 328 (2025) 147627 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect International Journal of Biological Macromolecules journal [homepage:](homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ijbiomac)[ www.elsevier.com/locate/ijbiomac](homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/ijbiomac) | Dual functional chitosan-coated spanlastics for topical delivery of ceftazidime in the treatment of bacterial burn wound infections | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Amna Khan Adil a, Aqeedat Javed a, Abeer Tariq a, Syeda Komal Fatima a, Muhammad Usman a, Nida Javaid a, Halla Munir Kayani a, Doua Ilyasb, Naqeeb Ullah a, Saheefa Ghazanfar a,
*
Ahmad Khan a,
a Department of Pharmacy, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan b Riphah International University, Islamabad, 46000, Pakistan | | | | | A R T I C L E I N F O | | A B S T R A C T | | | Keywords:
Bacterial biofilms Infected wounds Chitosan coating Ceftazidime spanlastics Controlled release | | Burn wound infections (BWIs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality due to persistent biofilms, enzymatic antibiotic degradation, and limited drug penetration. To address these challenges, a dual-functional nanoplatform of ceftazidime-loaded chitosan-coated spanlastics embedded in a carbopol hydrogel (CCNP-G) was developed. Molecular docking revealed favorable interactions of chitosan with keratin and weaker binding with AmpC β-lactamase, suggesting its role in bio adhesion and protection of ceftazidime (CFZ), while ceftazidime demonstrated strong binding to penicillin-binding protein 3 (PBP3). Ceftazidime-loaded spanlastics (CNP) were prepared by thin-film hydration and optimized using a Box–Behnken design, then coated with chitosan via electrostatic adsorption. Physicochemical characterization of CCNP showed a particle size of 368.8 ± 3.5 nm, zeta potential of +38.1 ± 4.8 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 88 ± 2.22 %. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed absence of chemical interactions, X-ray diffration (XRD) indicated successful conversion from crystalline to amorphous form, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed spherical morphology. In vitro studies demonstrated sustained drug release, while ex vivo permeation studies confirmed enhanced drug penetration and skin retention. In vivo evaluation in rats burn wound model showed accelerated wound healing, significant reduction in bacterial burden, downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and superior histopathological recovery compared to marketed 1 % silver sulfadiazine cream USP. Collectively, CCNP-G represents a dual-functional therapeutic platform that combines the antimicrobial and biofilm-disrupting properties ofchitosan with the penetration and sustained release benefits of spanlastics within a hydrogel matrix, offering a clinically relevant strategy for effective burn wound infection management. | | 1. Introduction Burn injuries represent one of the most debilitating forms of trauma, characterized not only by extensive tissue destruction but also by a heightened risk of opportunistic bacterial colonization and systemic infection, causing an estimated 180,000 fatalities globally [1]. Burn wound infections (BWIs) are the primary cause of sepsis in patients with burn injuries and account for about 61 % of burn-related mortality [2]. Following thermal injury, the skin barrier is compromised, making patients more vulnerable to polymicrobial infections, among which Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli are the most common [3,4]. These pathogens, alone or in combination, aggravate wound pathology by generating virulence factors, secreting toxins, and creating biofilms that resist eradication [5]. In particular, biofilm formation poses a significant clinical challenge because it creates a protective matrix that restricts drug penetration and protects bacterial colonies from immunological surveillance [6]. This barr

FAQs

Why do burn wound infections become difficult to treat?

They persist because biofilms restrict drug penetration, protect bacteria from immune surveillance, and confer high resistance compared with planktonic cells.

What is the main therapeutic idea behind CCNP-G?

CCNP-G combines ceftazidime-loaded chitosan-coated spanlastics within a carbopol hydrogel to improve antimicrobial performance, biofilm disruption, and sustained topical delivery.

How was the formulation evaluated in the study?

Physicochemical characterization (particle size, zeta potential, entrapment, FTIR, XRD, SEM) was followed by in vitro release and ex vivo permeation/skin retention, then in vivo testing in a rat burn wound model with histopathology comparisons.

Oct 13, 2026

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