Formulation of pH-responsive PEGylated nanoparticles with high drug loading capacity and programmable drug release for enhanced antibacterial activity

The study developed pH-responsive PEGylated nanoparticles to enhance antibacterial activity against resistant bacteria. These nanoparticles, formed by self-assembling an amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol)-Schiff-vancomycin prodrug and free vancomycin, addressed challenges like poor biocompatibility and premature drug release. The nanoparticles exhibited good storage stability in neutral environments and disassembled in faintly acidic conditions, typical of infection sites. This design allowed for high drug loading capacity and programmed drug release, achieving rapid and sustained antibacterial effects. The system showed promising results both in vitro and in vivo, offering a potential strategy for clinical antimicrobial applications.