Abstract

This study reported the ability of Leuconostoc mesenteroides VTCC B-871 to produce nano-sized minicells for the delivery of tinidazole to improve permeation through mice intestinal membrane. Using scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope, morphology of minicells while loading the drug was observed. Minicells did not change spherical shape and size (400 nm) over the time kept in buffered saline gelatin containing tinidazole. Based on Box-Behnken design, the optimal conditions were selected for actual encapsulation. Minicells could encapsulate tinidazole approximately to 90 % as determined by high performance liquid chromatographic analysis. Maximum concentration of tinidazole released from minicells was 70 % at pH 3.4 and 55 % at pH 7.2, respectively. Absorption of tinidazole from minicells was quantified in mice. Tinidazole could be absorbed faster from the minicells than tinidazole alone in fed mice upon oral administration. The study demonstrated that the absorption of water-insoluble tinidazole with food could be improved by Leuconostoc minicells.