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Journals / Experimed / 2026 / Volume: 16 Issue: 2

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Salicylic Acid–Loaded Liposomes Against Cutibacterium acnes: A Microbiological Approach for Acne Treatment

Gülcan Kuyucuklu-Kazan(KIRKLARELI UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, DEPARTMENT OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY)0000-0003-1596-1659
Ahmet Doğan Ergin(TRAKYA UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF PHARMACY, DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY)0000-0002-9387-0085
Journal
Experimed
Pages
—
Publication Date
2026-08-28
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Incorporation of arbutin provided partial inhibition, suggesting liposome-based systems as promising topical strategies for acne treatment.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:Objective: This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the antimicrobial activity of free salicylic acid, liposomal salicylic acid, and an arbutin-containing liposomal salicylic acid formulation against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a key microorganism in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, and to assess the contribution of liposomal carrier systems to antimicrobial efficacy.
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Key Findings & Data:Materials and Methods: C. acnes (ATCC® 6919™) was used as the test strain.
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Conclusion & Impact:Incorporation of arbutin provided partial inhibition, suggesting liposome-based systems as promising topical strategies for acne treatment.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:salicylic acid · liposome · Cutibacterium acnes

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the antimicrobial activity of free salicylic acid, liposomal salicylic acid, and an arbutin-containing liposomal salicylic acid formulation against Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a key microorganism in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris, and to assess the contribution of liposomal carrier systems to antimicrobial efficacy. Materials and Methods: C. acnes (ATCC® 6919™) was used as the test strain. Salicylic acid–loaded liposomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and process yield. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using broth microdilution and agar dilution methods according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M11 guidelines. Ampicillin, ampicillin–sulbactam, meropenem, tetracycline, clindamycin, and vancomycin served as reference antibiotics. Free salicylic acid and liposomal formulations were tested comparatively. Results: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the reference antibiotics were within CLSI quality control ranges. Free salicylic acid showed an MIC of 0.9 mg/mL, while the liposomal formulation reduced the MIC to 0.45 mg/mL, indicating a twofold enhancement in antimicrobial activity. The arbutin-containing liposomal formulation did not achieve complete inhibition at this concentration but resulted in approximately 50% growth reduction. Conclusion: Liposomal delivery significantly enhances the antimicrobial activity of salicylic acid against C. acnes. Incorporation of arbutin provided partial inhibition, suggesting liposome-based systems as promising topical strategies for acne treatment.

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Cite This Article

Kuyucuklu-Kazan, G., Ergin, A. D. (2026). In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Salicylic Acid–Loaded Liposomes Against Cutibacterium acnes: A Microbiological Approach for Acne Treatment. Experimed, Volume: 16 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.26650/experimed.1884953

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