Work

Development of Biocompatible Ciprofloxacin-Loaded Zinc-Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoflowers as Nontoxic Platform for Local Drug Delivery

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Osteomyelitis (OM) is an inflammation of bone and bone marrow and remains one of the most challenging infectious diseases to treat. This clinical difficulty highlights the need for alternative therapeutic strategies, including targeted local delivery of antibacterial agents. In this study, we report for the first time the use of zinc–bovine serum albumin (ZnBSA) hybrid nanoflowers as potential antibiotic carriers for osteomyelitis treatment. Hybrid nanoflowers are hierarchically structured nanomaterials composed of inorganic components (typically metal phosphates) and organic molecules (such as proteins or enzymes) that self-assemble into flower-like morphologies, exhibiting high surface area and synergistic physicochemical properties arising from organic–inorganic integration. Methods: ZnBSA hybrid nanostructures were synthesized through a rapid and optimized procedure and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Ciprofloxacin was loaded into the ZnBSA nanostructures, and drug release behavior was studied by ultraviolet-visable spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity was assessed using optical density measurements and disc diffusion assays. The biocompatibility of ZnBSA loaded with ciprofloxacin was evaluated through in vitro toxicity assays on human red blood cells and dermal fibroblasts, as well as in vivo testing using Danio rerio . Results: The ZnBSA nanostructures demonstrated rapid formation and improved biocompatibility compared to conventional copper-based nanoflowers. Toxicity studies confirmed a favorable safety profile both in vitro and in vivo. Ciprofloxacin-loaded ZnBSA carriers exhibited sustained drug release and effective antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus , and Klebsiella pneumoniae . Discussion: These findings indicate that ZnBSA hybrid nanostructures represent a safe and effective localized drug delivery system for osteomyelitis treatment. Their biocompatibility, rapid synthesis, sustained antibiotic release, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity highlight their potential as a promising alternative to existing nanocarrier systems for managing bone infections. Keywords: hybrid nanoflowers, drug delivery systems, ciprofloxacin, nontoxic nanostructures

Source: Nanotechnology Science and Applications

DOI: 10.2147/nsa.s574498

Authors: Olga Swiech, Anna Boguszewska-Czubara, Piotr Golec, Aleksandra Głowacka, Marta Prześniak-Welenc, Kamila Sadowska