Engineered nanoparticles of Efavirenz using methacrylate co-polymer (Eudragit-E100) and its biological effects in-vivo.

Nanotechnology in drug delivery is explored widely to improve therapeutic efficacy and minimize undesirable effects of several anti-HIV drugs. Efavirenz is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, prescribed as first-line drug of choice for treatment of AIDS. It is poorly soluble and exhibits variable bioavailability hence, a high oral dose is recommended for therapy. The present work focuses on improving the dissolution and bioavailability of Efavirenz through nano drug delivery approach. Polymeric nanoparticles were developed using Eudragit E100 and characterized for size, stability, morphology, cytotoxicity (MTT assay in T-lymphatic (C8166) cell lines) and in-vivo biodistribution in mice models. The optimized nanoparticles exhibited average particle size of 110nm, zeta potential of -33mV and entrapment efficiency 99%. The SEM images displayed the formation of nano-size particles. The cell viability was significantly improved in the nanoparticles (99%) compared to pure drug (15%) at the concentration of 8µg/mL. The in-vivo biodistribution profile of the nanoparticles showed considerably higher drug concentration in serum and major organs, especially in the brain compared to the free drug. The optimized Efavirenz loaded nanoparticles clearly demonstrated an increase in dissolution, drug distribution, and bioavailability, which implies better control over the therapeutic dosing.

Bioactive potential of Streptomyces against fish and shellfish pathogens.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the present study, isolation of Streptomyces associated with marine sponges and its bioactive potential against fish and shellfish pathogens were assessed. The Streptomyces sp. were isolated from the marine sponges namely Callyspongia diffusa, Mycale mytilorum, Tedania anhelans and Dysidea fragilis collected from Vizhinjam port, situated in the South-West coast of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Streptomyces associated with marine sponges were isolated using specific ISP media. The isolates of Streptomyces were characterized for their colony characteristics, morphological properties, physiological and biochemical properties and were tentatively identified. The strains were cultivated on a lab scale level as shake-flask cultures and the crude extracts of the bioactive compounds obtained with ethyl acetate were screened biologically and chemically. By biological screening, the extracts were analyzed for their activity against fish and shellfish pathogens namely Aeromonas hydrophila, Serratia sp. and Vibrio spp, using the disk and agar-well diffusion bioassay method, while by chemical screening the crude culture extracts were analyzed by TLC and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Ninety-four isolates were found to be associated with marine sponges, among them only seven strains showed antagonism against fish and shellfish pathogens. Analysis of morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics suggested that these strains belonged to the genus Streptomyces. The initial screening of the isolates by spot inoculation method exhibited antibacterial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila. In-vitro screening of the submerge culture extracts showed positive inhibition against the fish and shellfish pathogens namely Aeromonas hydrophila, Serratia sp. and Vibrio spp. The screening of bioactive compounds confirmed the production of polyene substances by UV spectrum, which resulted in absorbance peaks ranging from 225 to 245 nm and TLC analysis yielded R(f) values ranging from 0.40 to 0.78. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the seven Streptomyces strains isolated from marine sponges produce potential antibacterial compounds against fish and shellfish pathogens.