Synergetic fabrication of ciprofloxacin-loaded ZIF-90 nanocarrier to enhance sustained pH-responsive delivery system for efficient bacterial inhibition in sepsis treatment: in vitro and in vivo evaluations

In recent years, the issue of sepsis control has become increasingly significant in the healthcare field. As a result of blood poisoning by pathogens, sepsis infects every organ and tissue in the body, leading to organ failure and death. The need for effective treatment remains not fulfilled, and novel approaches are desperately needed. In this research investigation, we have designed and developed the ciprofloxacin-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework (CI@ZIF-90) for pH-responsive drug delivery application in sepsis treatment. The physicochemical characteristics of CI@ZIF-90 nanocomposite was examined by prominent analytical techniques. The in vitro drug release analysis indicated CI@ZIF-90 achieved 98% of release after 72 h at pH 5.0. The anti-microbial analyses by well-diffusion, MIC and bio-film assays provide evidences that CI@ZIF-90 have enhanced inhibition action against sepsis-causing pathogens. The suitability of the CI@ZIF-90 has been proved by MTT and cell proliferation assays on L929 fibroblast cells. Subsequently, in vivo suitability was observed by Artemia salina lethality assay. The novelty of the present study involves pH-responsive ZIF-90 nanoformulation increased drug delivery efficiency, biocompatibility and efficient anti-microbial action with a new combination of CI drug molecules. Overall research work highlights, CI@ZIF-90 could be a potential stimuli-responsive drug delivery system for neonatal sepsis therapy.