METHODS: Semi-crystalline nanoparticles (NPs) of 90-110 nm diameter for APSP and 65-75 nm diameter for EPN were prepared and then characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD). Thereafter, drug content solubility and dissolution studies were undertaken. Berberine and its NPs were evaluated for their antibacterial activity.
RESULTS: The results indicate that the NPs have significantly increased solubility and dissolution rate due to conversion of the crystalline structure to a semi-crystalline form.
CONCLUSION: Berberine NPs produced by both APSP and EPN methods have shown promising activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and yeasts, with NPs prepared through the EPN method showing superior results compared to those made with the APSP method and the unprocessed drug.
Materials & methods: In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities were conducted to study the anticandidal activities of nanocapsules (NCs).
Results: The NCs showed good anticandidal activities. The disruption of cell wall and cell membrane was noted via microscopy studies. The NCs changed the normal growth profile of Candida albicans. NCs reduced the colony forming unit in kidney and blood samples. Histopathological examination showed better cell structure and coordination compared with untreated mice kidney. NCs also enhanced the natural killing properties of C. albicans by epithelial cells.
Conclusion: NCs have effective anticandidal properties and have the potential as a therapeutic agent against candidiasis.