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Nanofibrous patches for targeted therapy of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major: a preclinical amphotericin B platform

Mahya Allahmoradi,M. Mohebali,H. Mirjalali,Mahdi Adabi,Fahimeh Firouzjaie Karder,Seyed Mahdi Rezayat,A. Foroushani,S. Mousavi,Elham Kazemirad

Published 2025 in Parasitology Research

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains a significant public health challenge in endemic regions, particularly where access to safe and patient-friendly treatments is limited. Amphotericin B (AmB), although highly active against Leishmania, is restricted by systemic toxicity and the need for parenteral administration. In this study, AmB-loaded bioactive nanofibrous patches were fabricated using a dual-nozzle electrospinning method incorporating chitosan, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol. The resulting nanofibers were structurally characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Drug loading was uniform, and in vitro release demonstrated a sustained profile with approximately 82% cumulative release at 72 h. Cytocompatibility was confirmed in human dermal fibroblasts and THP-1 cells. The therapeutic performance was further assessed in BALB/c mice using short- and long-term treatment protocols. AmB-loaded patches produced a significant reduction in lesion size compared with untreated and placebo groups, and the treatment outcome was comparable to Glucantime® (Day 21) and SinaAmpholeish® (Day 63). No local irritation or observable systemic toxicity was noted. Overall, these findings indicate that nanofiber-mediated topical delivery of AmB provides a promising localized treatment approach for CL and warrants further investigation in translational and clinical studies. Dual-nozzle nanofibrous patches enable localized delivery of amphotericin B. Uniform bioactive fibers support controlled and sustained drug release. Amphotericin B release shows a stable sustained-release profile. Nanofiber-based delivery reduces acute cytotoxicity compared with free drug. Topical AmB patches improve lesion outcomes in a BALB/c CL model.

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