PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF CLARITHROMYCIN LOADED BISMUTH SULFIDE (Bi2S3) NANOPARTICLES UTILIZING NANOTECHNOLOGY AS A NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Objective: This study was designed to improve the solubility and biological activity of class II drug clarithromycin (CLA) by utilizing the nanotechnology as a novel drug delivery system.Methods: Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) nanoparticles were synthesized using chemical co-precipitation technique, while the loading of clarithromycin (CLA) with bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) nanoparticles was achieved using incorporation method. The loading process, as well as particle size reduction, were evaluated using x-ray diffraction (XRD), furrier transformed infrared (FTIR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). In vitro release study was performed using USP paddle apparatus type II in phosphate buffer solution pH 7.4. Disc diffusion method was the technique used to test the antibacterial activity of CLA before and after loading process.Results: Loading of CLA with Bi2S3 nanoparticles was accomplished successfully accompanied with particle size reduction within nano range as measured by AFM. In vitro release study showed a significant* increase in solubility and dissolution profile of CLA after loading process, which was also proven using XRD that indicate transformation from crystalline into more soluble amorphous structure. Susceptibility test displayed significant* potentiation of antibacterial activity at all tested concentrations against gram+ve bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis after loading of CLA with Bi2S3 nanoparticles, while gram –ve bacteria E. coli showed no response for CLA before and after loading process.Conclusion: The solubility, as well as the antibacterial activity of CLA, were improved significantly* after preparation of nanotechnology based drug delivery system through the utilization of metal nanoparticles, Bi2S3, as nanocarriers for CLA.