Clindamycin-Loaded Polyhydroxyalkanoate Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Infected Wounds

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Owing to the growing resistance of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA) to conventional antibiotics, the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of MRSA-infected cutaneous wounds poses a significant challenge. <b>Methods:</b> Here, by using polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), emerging biodegradable and biocompatible polymers naturally produced by various microorganisms, we developed clindamycin-loaded PHA nanoparticles (Cly-PHA NPs) as a novel approach for the treatment of MRSA-infected cutaneous wounds. <b>Results:</b> Cly-PHA NPs were characterized in terms of mean particle size (216.2 ± 38.9 nm), polydispersity index (0.093 ± 0.03), zeta potential (11.3 ± 0.5 mV), and drug loading (6.76 ± 0.19%). Owing to the sustained release of clindamycin over 2 days provided by the PHA, Cly-PHA NPs exhibited potent antibacterial effects against MRSA. Furthermore, Cly-PHA NPs significantly facilitated wound healing in a mouse model of MRSA-infected full-thickness wounds by effectively eradicating MRSA from the wound bed. <b>Conclusions:</b> Therefore, our results suggest that Cly-PHA NPs offer a promising approach for combating MRSA infections and accelerating cutaneous wound healing.