Abstract:
Bacterial ghosts (BGs) are nonliving devoid bacterial cell envelopes of gram
negative bacteria with conserved cellular morphology. The study focuses on
development of a new delivery platform for cancer treatment. Genetic and
chemical methods can be used for the preparation of bacterial ghosts. In the
following study, BGs of E. coli DH5α prepared by the exposure of cells
to tween-80 for a prolonged period followed by an immediate decline of pH.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) results showed the excellent formation
of bacterial ghosts with clear holes of 111nm size in their outer membranes.
Furthermore, Release of DNA and protein content was confirmed by agarose
gel electrophoresis and Bradford assay, respectively. Bacterial ghosts were
loaded with anti-cancerous drug Doxorubicin Loading efficiency is
determined using direct method which is 43µg/mg. Release profile is being
studied using dialysis tubing for 11 days and loaded BGs showed slow release
over a long period of time. As a result, BGs could be considered as a potent
drug delivery and targeting vehicle for the reliable distribution of
anticancerous drugs for cancer treatment. Subsequently, Doxorubicin dosage
could be significantly reduced when BGs deliver the DOX as compare to the
free Doxorubicin. These outcomes will help the patient in a several ways,
including lowering the dosage, reducing the administration frequency and
cytotoxicity. Experimental validation will confirm the potential of bacterial
ghost platform.
