Chitosan-coated liposomes of Carrisa spinarum extract: synthesis, analysis and anti-pneumococcal potency

In the present study, a chitosan (CS)-coated liposome (LipCsP-Chitosan) nanocarrier was fabricated for the delivery of Carissa spinarum (CsP) polyphenols to improve bioavailability and anti-pneumococcal potential against Klebsiella pneumoniae. LipCsP-Chitosan was synthesized by the ion gelation method and characterized by using a Malvern zetasizer and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR); CsP encapsulation and release kinetics were investigated. Anti-pneumococcal activity of the nanoformulations was accessed by agar-well diffusion and microdilution assays. LipCsP-chitosan exhibited a hydrodynamic size and zeta potential of 365.22 +/- 0.70 nm and +39.30 +/- 0.61 mV, respectively. CsP had an encapsulation efficiency of 81.5%. FTIR analysis revealed the interaction of the liposomes with chitosan and the CsP. A biphasic CsP release profile followed by a sustained release pattern was observed. LiPCsP-Chitosan presented a higher bioaccessibility of polyphenols in the simulated gastric phase (74.1% +/- 1.3) than in the simulated intestinal phase (63.32% +/- 1.00). LipCsP-chitosan had a relative inhibition zone diameter of 84.33% +/- 2.51 when compared to CsP. At minimum inhibition concentration of 31.25 mg/mL, LipCsP-Chitosan reduced the viability of Klebsiella pneumoniae by 57.45% +/- 3.76 after 24 h. The results obtained from the current study offer a new approach to the utilization of LipCsP-Chitosan as nanocarriers for candidate anti-pneumococcal agents.