Supramolecular Macrocyclic Amphiphile as an Efficient Nanocarrier for Cefixime and Its Anti‐Microbial Potential

ABSTRACT This research work reports on the synthesis, characterization, cellular interaction, and anti‐microbial properties of a supramolecular macrocyclic amphiphile (SMA) using cefixime as a model hydrophobic drug. The macrocycle was synthesized via the cyclization reaction of alkylated vanillin and resorcinol. The SMA was characterized employing spectroscopic techniques, including ESI‐MS, FT‐IR, and 1 H‐NMR spectroscopy. Using a Zetasizer, the mean diameter, average size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of cefixime‐loaded and unloaded vesicles of SMA were measured. The morphology of drug‐loaded vehicles was examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM). NIH/3T3 cell lines were used to investigate cellular compatibility, and fresh blood was used to measure blood hemolysis. The experimental results revealed that at the highest concentration (1000 μg/mL), the hemolysis rate of synthesized SMA was 19.12% ± 1.88%, compared with 28.25% ± 1.89% hemolysis for the standard Tween 80. Similarly, SMA at a concentration of 1000 μg/mL demonstrated 66.89% ± 1.18% cell viability with 3T3 cells, whereas Tween 80 showed 56.31% ± 1.22% cell viability after 24 h. The antimicrobial activity of loaded SMA against Escherichia coli demonstrated greater antimicrobial potential than the cefixime formulation alone.