Young Researchers 2024/UFBA Call for Proposals - Polymeric nanoparticles fibrinogen-decorated Fibrinogen Aiming for Antimicrobial Activity Against Leptospira Bacteria

Natural disasters can trigger outbreaks of infectious diseases due to various risk factors, such as overcrowding, lack of potable water, and poor sanitation conditions. Leptospirosis is a common infection following floods, transmitted through exposure to contaminated water, contact with infected animals, and consuming contaminated food. The causative bacteria, Leptospira, are released into the environment through the urine of mammals such as rats, dogs, and cattle. Various Leptospira serovars have been detected globally in hosts, with significant incidence in South America, particularly in rodents, Artiodactyla, and Carnivora. In Brazil, leptospirosis is endemic and becomes epidemic during rainy periods in low-income areas with sanitation issues.

Treatment for leptospirosis in humans includes antibiotics such as doxycycline, azithromycin, and penicillin. For animals, the same treatment is recommended at appropriate doses. Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern, prompting research into nanotechnology and nanoparticles as alternatives to combat resistant bacteria, improve treatment efficacy, and reduce toxicity. The application of these technologies shows promise in addressing infectious diseases and overcoming the challenges of antimicrobial resistance. Leptospira exhibits unique adhesion and immune evasion abilities, making them ideal targets for active targeting to reach bacterial cells expressing adhesins—an innovative approach for more effective and safer treatment of leptospirosis.

In this study, polymeric nanoparticles will be developed using the nanoprecipitation technique, and fibrinogen will be decorated on the nanoparticles through both adsorption and covalent binding techniques. The nanoparticles will be characterised in terms of size and zeta potential using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The doxycycline encapsulation efficiency in the nanoparticles will be determined, and the release profile of the nanoencapsulated drug will be obtained. The mechanism of action of the release process will be inferred in vitro. Interaction studies between the nanoparticles and Leptospira bacteria will be conducted using fluorescence microscopy, while the antimicrobial activity will be evaluated against Leptospira strains in planktonic form and microbial biofilms.

Status: Ongoing Nature: Research

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