Low temperature synthesis of franklinite stabilized cefixime as a multifunctional nanoformulation

Abstract

Cefixime, an antibiotic with low solubility, stability, bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness, needs to be administered in larger doses for effective treatment. This can lead to higher healthcare costs and increased risk of side effects, negatively affecting public health. Herein, we aim to develop a strategy to overcome the aforementioned limitations by stabilizing it using franklinite nanostructures. Franklinite nanostructures (ZnFe₂O₄) were synthesized via a green method and subsequently used as a support to stabilize cefixime (Cef). The successful formation of ZnFe₂O₄ nanostructures and subsequent loading of the drug was confirmed using various microscopic and spectroscopic analyses. Solubility measurements and dissolution tests for the franklinite stabilized cefixime (Cef–ZnFe₂O₄) indicated increased solubility, enhanced in vitro bioavailability and greater absorption under physiological conditions. Hemolytic assay affirmed the safety and efficacy of drug stabilized by franklinite. Biological assessment of Cef–ZnFe₂O₄ revealed that it has strong antifungal, antioxidant and kinase inhibition potential as compared to its bare counterpart. These findings emphasize the potential of newly designed Cef–ZnFe₂O₄ as a promising nanoformulation with enhanced solubility, efficacy, safety and biological activities.