Effective targeted therapy for drug-resistant infection by ICAM-1 antibody-conjugated TPGS modified β-Ga2O3:Cr3+ nanoparticles

The prevalence of antibiotic resistance and lack of alternative drugs have posed an increasing threat to public health. Here, we prepared β-Ga 2 O 3 :Cr 3+ nanoparticles modified with ICAM1-antibody-conjugated TPGS (I-TPGS/Ga 2 O 3 ) as a novel antibiotic carrier for the treatment of drug-resistant infections. Methods : I-TPGS/Ga 2 O 3 were firstly characterized by measuring particle size, morphology, crystal structure, drug loading capacity, and in vitro drug release behaviors. The in vitro antibacterial activities of I-TPGS/Ga 2 O 3 /TIG were evaluated using standard and drug-resistant bacteria. The internalization of I-TPGS/Ga 2 O 3 was observed by fluorescence confocal imaging, and the expression levels of the efflux pump genes of TRKP were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. In vitro cellular uptake and in vivo biodistribution study were performed to investigate the targeting specificity of I-TPGS/Ga 2 O 3 using HUEVC and acute pneumonia mice, respectively. The in vivo anti-infective efficacy and biosafety of I-TPGS/Ga 2 O 3 /TIG were finally evaluated using acute pneumonia mice. Results : It was found that TPGS could down-regulate the over-expression of the efflux pump genes, thus decreasing the efflux pump activity of bacteria. I-TPGS/Ga 2 O 3 with small particle size and uniform distribution facilitated their internalization in bacteria, and the TPGS modification resulted in a significant reduction in the efflux of loaded antibiotics. These properties rendered the encapsulated tigecycline to exert a stronger antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo . Additionally, targeted delivery of I-TPGS/Ga 2 O 3 mediated by ICAM1 antibodies contributed to a safe and effective therapy. Conclusion : It is of great value to apply I-TPGS/Ga 2 O 3 as a novel and effective antibiotic delivery system for the treatment of drug-resistant infections.