Formulation and Characterization of Teicoplanin Niosomal Gel for Healing Chronic Wounds Infected with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA) is recognized as a significant pathogen playing a crucial role in causing bacterial infections of skin and soft tissues due to its high capacity for biofilm formation. Niosome-based gel systems offer significant potential for enhancing transdermal drug delivery and increasing the effectiveness of loaded drugs. The current research investigates the feasibility of niosomal gel for formulating the topical administration of teicoplanin (TEC). The thin film hydration method was used for niosome formulation was composed of nonionic surfactant, cholesterol, and mPEG 2000. TEC niosomal gel was prepared with adding hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and Poloxamer 407 polymers to the system. The physiochemical characteristics of prepared niosomal gel formulation, such as particle morphology, size, zeta surface charge, homogeneity, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release, were evaluated. Also, the in vitro antibacterial potential of the prepared system was analyzed. Further, we examined the in vivo antibacterial activity of the synthesized niosomal gel on infected wounds in Wister rats. We found that the TEC niosomal gel had antibacterial and anti-biofilm capabilities against MRSA isolates, and could be an effective wound material for preventing therapeutic problems related to this superbug.