Azithromycin-based Albumin Nanoparticles Loaded Oral Fast dissolving Films as Superheroes in the Fight against Strep Throat
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Date
2026
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Abstract
Streptococcal pharyngitis, strep throat, is a bacterial infection induced by group A Streptococcus. Azithromycin (AZI) is
used as the second-line drug for its treatment. The study’s goal was to formulate AZI-based albumin nanoparticles loaded
on fast oral dissolving films, which would help reduce the dosage and dosing frequency of the drug by enhancing its
local effect in the affected area. The desolvation process was utilized for the synthesis of albumin nanoparticles, while the
solvent casting approach was applied for the formulation of the oral fast-dissolving films (OFDF). A 3-factor and 3-level
CCD was implemented to ascertain the influence of critical material attributes on the critical quality attributes of the
nanoparticles employing Design-Expert software. The optimized nanoparticles exhibited particle dimension, zeta potential,
and entrapment efficiency of 250.6 ± 19.6 nm, -0.656 mV, and 98.67% ± 0.002, respectively. The in vitro release of the
optimized formulation demonstrated an initial burst release of 18.11% ± 0.0024 within the first 2 hours, and subsequently,
a sustained release profile was observed, with 96% ± 0.15 of the drug over 36 h. The AZI-loaded albumin nanoparticles
loaded oral fast-dissolving films demonstrated a drug release of 95% ± 0.659 within 1 h, and the ex vivo permeation via
goat buccal mucosa further revealed a flux of 45.36 mg/h. cm2. Moreover, the formulation was assessed for its antibacterial
potency towards Streptococcus aureus, revealing a substantial zone of inhibition measuring 38 mm ± 0.152 compared to
the marketed oral tablet. The findings collectively point to the formulation’s efficacy in addressing strep throat, suggest
ing its potential as a viable treatment option for this condition. Further preclinical studies can be performed to ensure its
successful translation.