2. Academic Validation
  3. Revitalizing Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole via Nanotechnology for Improved Pharmacokinetics and Antibacterial Efficacy

Revitalizing Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole via Nanotechnology for Improved Pharmacokinetics and Antibacterial Efficacy

  • Antibiotics (Basel). 2026 Mar 10;15(3):283. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics15030283.
Yaxin Zhou 1 2 3 4,  Jing Xu 1 3 4,  Guonian Dai 1 3 4,  Bing Li 1 3 4,  Weiwei Wang 1 3 4,  Bintao Zhai 1 3 4,  Shulin Chen 2,  Jiyu Zhang 1 3 4
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China.
  • 2 College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling 712100, China.
  • 3 Key Laboratory of New Animal Drug Project of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730050, China.
  • 4 Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutical Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Lanzhou 730050, China.
PMID: 41892445 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics15030283
Abstract

Objective: The therapeutic efficacy of the classic Antibiotic combination trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) is often limited by the significant pharmacokinetic mismatch. In this study, a polyethylene glycol-polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PEG-PLGA) nanodelivery system was employed to improve the pharmacokinetic matching of TMP and SMZ. The investigation also evaluated the enhanced in vivo Antibacterial efficacy of this formulation. Methods: Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed to systematically characterize the absorption, distribution, and excretion profiles of PEG-PLGA-loaded TMP nanoparticles (NPs) in rats. In vitro Antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In vivo efficacy and biosafety of the TMP NPs/SMZ regimen were evaluated using a murine E. coli Infection model via survival monitoring, biochemical assays, and histopathology. Results: Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that TMP NPs achieved a relative bioavailability of 193.05% and extended the elimination half-life by 3.37-fold compared to free TMP. Tissue distribution showed significantly increased drug accumulation in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, with renal clearance as the primary excretion pathway (73.89%). In vitro, the nano-formulation reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by 2-4-fold and shortened the bactericidal duration from 12 to 8 h. In vivo, the TMP NPs/SMZ combination significantly improved survival rates, accelerated recovery, and alleviated infection-induced organ damage without systemic toxicity. Conclusions: This nanotechnology-based strategy effectively aligns the pharmacokinetics of TMP and SMZ, prolongs their synergistic window, and enhances biosafety, offering a viable approach to revitalize classic Antibiotic combinations.

Keywords

antibacterial efficacy; bioavailability enhancement; pharmacokinetics; polymeric nanoparticles; trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

Figures
Products