Preparation & Characterization of E. coli DH5α Bacterial Ghosts and their Evaluation as a Drug Delivery Vehicle

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.