An increased efficiency of triclosan delivery by novel acrylate-based nanoparticles

Polymeric nanoparticles have been widely investigated as carriers for drug delivery, as they can effectively deliver the drug to a target site and thus increase the therapeutic benefit, while minimizing side effects. Triclosan (Irgasan®) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, possessing mostly antibacterial, but also some antifungal and antiviral properties. In order to synergize the advantages of the delivery of antimicrobial molecules of triclosan by a nanoscaled system, we tested antimicrobial nanosized polymeric formulations containing triclosan. Triclosan was derivatized using acrylolyl chloride and then subjected to a radical dispersion polymerization. The polymeric nanoparticles were obtained, namely PTA-NPs, in the range of 100 nm. The characterization of these polymeric nanoparticles as well as the appropriate monomer has been accomplished by nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning and transmitting electron microscopy, elemental and thermal analyses. PTA NPs' electron microscopy examination presents a spherical morphology and a smooth topology. These nanoparticles exhibit very high antimicrobial activities against common pathogens involved in nosocomial infections. We demonstrate the importance of a direct contact of our nanoparticles and the bacterial cell as the trigger to triclosan releasing. Our results emphasize the advantages of a nanoscaled system in a covalently-linked delivery of a biocide and the limitations in utilizing the "free" biocide.