ABSTRACT
Antibiotic resistance has reduced the number of choices available for treating bacterial
infections. Bacterial infections are categorized into two types: Gram-positive and Gramnegative bacteria. While most antibiotics are effective against gram-positive infections, the
problem generally arises when treating gram-negative infections. Furthermore, antibiotics are
only effective against one type of bacteria: gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria.
Infections can be caused by either kind of bacteria or a combination of both. An antibiotic
isn't effective for both in this scenario.
Linezolid is a synthetic antibiotic that belongs to the oxazolidinones, a novel family of
antimicrobials with bactericidal action against Gram-positive bacteria. In addition to Grampositive respiratory infections, linezolid has efficacy against Gram-negative respiratory
pathogens. Linezolid, on the other hand, is ineffective against organisms that produce AmpClactamases or extended-spectrum lactamases (ESBLs) and has poor efficacy against most
Gram-negative bacteria.
To address this, the project's goal is to create a modified Linezolid by combining it with a lactamase inhibitor like Clavulanic Acid (Augmentin) that has potential activity against
Gram-negative bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., AmpC lactamases, or extended spectrum-lactamases (ESBLs). Beta-lactamase inhibitors are drugs
that are given alongside antimicrobials to inhibit beta-lactamases and thereby avoid
antimicrobial resistance. Clavulanic acid, Sulbactam, and Tazobactam are the three currently
available -lactamase inhibitors; we chose Clavulanic acid since it is readily accessible.
To accomplish so, an Electrospun Nano-fibrous Composite loaded with Linezolid and Beta
Lactamase Inhibitor were formed and their activities were studied using various
characterization methods such as ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection) and SEM (Scanning
Electron Microscopy). All of this is followed by a drug release profile using UV-VIS
Spectroscopy.