Optimization and characterization of tannic acid loaded niosomes for enhanced antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities

[Display omitted] •The Tannic acid loaded niosomes (Nio-TA) with high stability were prepared.•The developed niosomes were highly biocompatible with healthy cells.•Nio-TA has more antibacterial effect compared with free Tannic acid (F-TA).•Nio-TA reduced biofilm formation capacity.•Nio-TA down-regulated the biofilm gene expression comparing to F-TA. The purpose of this study was to prepare and characterize an optimized system of tannic acid-loaded niosomes as a potential carrier for antibacterial and anti-biofilm delivery. The niosomal formulation was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of the molar ratio of surfactant to cholesterol, drug concentration, and molar ratio of Span 60 to Tween 60 on particle size and drug entrapment efficiency of the niosomal nanocarrier were studied. The optimized nanoparticles were characterized in terms of the morphology, in vitro release profile, and antibacterial properties. Moreover, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques were utilized to investigate drug-excipient interactions. Antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of free tannic acid and tannic acid-loaded niosome were investigated against selected pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the expression level of biofilm-associated genes was evaluated in selected pathogenic bacteria using Real-Time PCR. According to the results, the dependent variables (particle size and entrapment efficiency) were best fitted to the quadratic model. The particle size and entrapment efficiency of the best niosomal formulation were 89 nm and 82%, respectively. The in vitro release of the optimized formulation showed a controlled release profile. Release kinetics indicated a diffusion-based release of the drug. FTIR and DSC studies also confirmed the absence of drug-excipient interactions. The optimized formulation exhibited higher antibacterial effects as compared with the free drug solution. Moreover, the time-kill assay of the encapsulated drug revealed a slow and controlled inhibition of bacterial growth for 72 h while the free drug was used up in the first hours. Moreover, tannic acid-loaded niosome reduced biofilm formation capacity in selected strains and down-regulated the biofilm gene expression as compared to free tannic acid. The optimized formulation containing tannic acid can be a promising