Enhancement of antibacterial activity of tilmicosin against Staphylococcus aureus by solid lipid nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo

This study aimed to enhance the antibacterial activity of tilmicosin by solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). Tilmicosin-loaded hydrogenated castor oil (HCO)-SLN was prepared using a hot homogenisation and ultrasonication method. The physicochemical characteristics of SLN were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). The antibacterial activity of tilmicosin-SLN against Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated by growth inhibition and colony-counting method. A therapeutic study of tilmicosin-SLN was conducted by subcutaneous injection in a mouse mastitis model infected with S. aureus by teat canal infusion. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by physical appearance of the mammary gland and measurement of colony-forming units (CFU) per gland.The results showed that the diameter, polydispersivity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the nanoparticles were 343 ± 26 nm, 0.33 ± 0.08, −7.9 ± 0.4 mV, 60.4 ± 3.3% and 11.2 ± 0.47%, respectively. Tilmicosin-SLN showed a sustained-release effect and sustained and enhanced antibacterial activity in vitro. SLN significantly enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of tilmicosin determined by lower CFU counts and a decreased degree of inflammation. These results demonstrated that the HCO-SLN is an effective carrier to enhance the antibacterial activity of tilmicosin.