In vitro evaluation of efficacy and toxicity of Amphotericin B-loaded nanocapsules

Amphotericin B (AmB) is an ancient antifungal drug and proper for treatment of systemic fungal infection. Unfortunately, this antibiotic has shown some side effects such as nephrotoxicity. Therefore, recently new AmB formulated has been prepared for reduced toxicity and increased effectiveness. AmB nanocapsules prepared from polymers such as poly D, L-lactide-co-glycolide by means of a solvent displacement technique. Then, the dried nanocapsules prepared by using SiO2 and entrapment efficacy of AmB was measured by spectrophotometry technique. The MICs of these nanocapsules to Candida albicans (ATCC 90028) was also determined by using microdilution method. Then, in vitro toxicity (haemolysis) of the AmB- loaded nanocapsules determined on human red blood cells. The data shows AmB entrapment efficacy for nanocapsules were 75% ± 0.13. The MICs of AmB-loaded nanocapsules against C. albicans tested were significantly reduced compared to that of free antibiotic. Also, the AmB-loaded nanocapsules found to be 5.89 times less toxic than free AmB on human red blood cells. The results suggest that prepared AmB-loaded nanocapsules in this research may be an appropriate delivery system for AmB to be used in the treatment of fungal infections.