Kaya Güzel, GülcihanMedaglia, SerenaCandela-Noguera, VicenteTormo-Mas, Maria AngelesMarcos, Maria DoloresAznar, ElenaMartinez-Manez, Ramon2021-12-132021-12-1320201999-4923https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics12111126https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13091/687In recent times, many approaches have been developed against drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, low-cost high effective materials which could broaden the spectrum of antibiotics are still needed. In this study, enhancement of linezolid spectrum, normally active against Gram-positive bacteria, was aimed for Gram-negative bacteria growth inhibition. For this purpose, a silica xerogel prepared from a low-cost precursor is used as a drug carrier owing to the advantages of its mesoporous structure, suitable pore and particle size and ultralow density. The silica xerogel is loaded with linezolid and capped with epsilon-poly-l-lysine. The developed nano-formulation shows a marked antibacterial activity against to Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In comparison to free linezolid and epsilon-poly-l-lysine, the material demonstrates a synergistic effect on killing for the three tested bacteria. The results show that silica xerogels can be used as a potential drug carrier and activity enhancer. This strategy could provide the improvement of antibacterial activity spectrum of antibacterial agents like linezolid and could represent a powerful alternative to overcome antibiotic resistance in a near future.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessAntibacterial ActivityLinezolidMesoporous MaterialSilica XerogelSurface ModificationDrug-DeliveryAerogelNanoparticlesSpectrumVancomycinNanofibersSolventsOvercomeOptionArticle10.3390/pharmaceutics121111262-s2.0-85096436430