Newly isolated lytic bacteriophages for Staphylococcus intermedius, structurally and functionally stabilized in a hydroxyethylcellulose gel containing choline geranate: Potential for transdermal permeation in veterinary phage therapy

In the present research work, we propose a new antimicrobial treatment for pyoderma via cutaneous permeation of bacteriophage particles conveyed in a hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) gel integrating ionic liquid as a permeation enhancer. Ionic liquids are highly viscous fluids constituted exclusively by ions, that are usually hydrolytically stable and promote solubilization of amphipathic molecules such as proteins, hence serving as green solvents and promoting the transdermal permeation of biomolecules. In the research effort entertained herein, the synthesis and use of choline geranate for integrating a HEC gel aiming at the structural and functional stabilization of a cocktail of isolated lytic bacteriophage particles was sought, aiming at transdermal permeation in the antimicrobial treatment of animal pyoderma. The results obtained showed a high ability of the ionic liquid in enhancing transdermal permeation of the bacteriophage particles, with concomitant high potential of the HEC gel formulation in the antimicrobial treatment of animal skin infections. [Display omitted] •Choline geranate deep eutectic solvent (CG-DES) was synthesized.•CG-DES and a cocktail of lytic phage particles were integrated/stabilized in HEC gel.•Transdermal permeation of phage particles aimed at treatment of animal pyoderma.•CG-DES enhanced transdermal permeation of the phage particles.•The HEC gel is suitable for the antimicrobial treatment of animal skin infections.