Background/Objectives: Atorvastatin (ATR), an antihyperlipidemic drug with a potential antibacterial effect, was investigated in this study. Like other statins, ATR has been repurposed for several uses, ranging from anti-inflammatory to antimicrobial applications, and has demonstrated successful results. However, the efficacy of ATR is limited by its low solubility, indicating an opportunity for its encapsulation in a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system. Methods: Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulations were prepared using high-pressure homogenization and ultrasonication. The formulations were characterized, including their particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release. Antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was evaluated using the growth curve (bacterial growth over time) and well diffusion methods (zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination). The crystal violet assay was employed to assess biofilm inhibition. Results: The NLC formulations were optimized, and the size and zeta potential of the blank nanoparticles were 130 ± 8.39 nm and −35 ± 0.5 mV, respectively. In comparison, the encapsulated NLCs had a size of 142 ± 52.20 nm and a zeta potential of −31 ± 1.41 mV. The average encapsulation efficiency was 94%, and 70% of the drug was released after 24 h. The ATR-loaded NLCs showed significantly enhanced antibacterial activity by reducing the minimum inhibitory concentration by 2.5-fold for E. coli, 1.8-fold for S. aureus, and 1.4-fold for MRSA, and promoting more effective bacterial growth inhibition. Notably, biofilm inhibition was significantly improved with ATR-NLCs, achieving 80% inhibition for S. aureus, 40% for E. coli, and 30% for MRSA, compared to free ATR (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that NLC encapsulation enhances ATR’s antimicrobial efficacy and biofilm suppression. Conclusions: This study identified NLCs as successful carriers of ATR, significantly enhancing its antibacterial efficacy and biofilm inhibition capabilities. This formulation, which shows antimicrobial potential against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, should be further studied and developed against different resistant microbial strains.

Background: The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has created an urgent need for innovative antibacterial strategies and localized delivery systems. This study aimed to develop and characterize electrospun poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers co-loaded with atorvastatin (ATR) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for use as a multifunctional topical platform for wound healing and infection control. Methods: ZnO nanoparticles were prepared via ball milling and characterized for size and zeta potential. Four PVA-based nanofiber formulations were fabricated using electrospinning: blank (F1), ZnO-loaded (F2), ATR-loaded (F3), and ATR/ZnO co-loaded (F4). The nanofibers were evaluated for morphology, thermal properties, crystallinity, and drug release. Antibacterial efficacy was tested against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, MRSA, and P. aeruginosa using broth microdilution and checkerboard assays. Biocompatibility and wound healing potential were assessed via MTT and fibroblast scratch assays on human foreskin fibroblasts (hFFs). Results: SEM imaging confirmed the production of uniform, bead-free nanofibers. ATR and ZnO nanoparticles were successfully incorporated in the nanofiber. The co-loaded formulation (F4) demonstrated a sustained release profile, releasing approximately 78.7% of ATR over 24 h. While all treatments showed limited activity against P. aeruginosa, the ATR/ZnO co-loaded nanofibers exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial activity against Gram-positive strains, achieving the lowest MIC values (1.5–2.0 mg/mL). Synergy analysis confirmed an enhanced effect with ATR and ZnO against MRSA. Furthermore, F4 achieved the highest wound closure rate of 92.41% in 24 h while maintaining acceptable cytocompatibility. Conclusions: The integration of ATR and ZnO into PVA nanofibers provides an enhanced antibacterial effect consistent with the synergistic potential observed between free agents targeting Gram-positive wound pathogens. The platform’s ability to simultaneously inhibit bacterial growth and promote rapid fibroblast migration positions it as a promising localized therapeutic for managing infected wounds.

Background/Objectives: Conventional modification of drug release often requires reformulation of the drug-containing dosage form. This study investigated fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D-printed polymeric coats as external barriers for modifying the dissolution of intact immediate-release tablets without reformulating the drug-containing core. Methods: Commercial tablets were encapsulated within 3D-printed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or polylactic acid (PLA) coats incorporating a continuous axial channel with surface apertures of 0, 4.5, or 9 mm diameter. Printing accuracy and dimensional fidelity were evaluated, followed by dissolution testing. Release profiles were characterized using zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Weibull, and Korsmeyer–Peppas models. Results: Printed coats showed high dimensional fidelity. Fully enclosed PVA coats produced a prolonged lag phase followed by rapid release associated with coat hydration and loss of structural integrity, whereas fully enclosed PLA coats showed no detectable drug release over 6 h. Increasing aperture diameter increased release from both polymers, although the magnitude and pattern of release differed markedly between PVA and PLA. At 2 h, PVA coats with 4.5 and 9 mm apertures released 89.5 ± 10.4% and 97.0 ± 15.6%, respectively, compared with 1.90 ± 0.13% and 58.8 ± 9.5% from the corresponding PLA designs. Korsmeyer–Peppas analysis indicated apparent anomalous release for PVA 4.5 mm (n = 0.647) and PLA 9 mm (n = 0.711), while PVA 9 mm exhibited Super Case-II-like behavior (n = 1.214). Conclusions: FDM-printed external polymeric coats can substantially modify dissolution from intact immediate-release tablets. Release behavior depended on the interaction between aperture geometry and polymer properties, demonstrating the potential of external 3D-printed barriers as a flexible approach for tailoring drug-release profiles without reformulating the tablet core.