Characterization, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of nanofibers derived from olive leaf, fumitory, and terebinth extracts

Abstract

In this study, nanofiber structures were obtained with convenient polymers (PVA [polyvinyl alcohol] and PCL [poly º-caprolactone]) derived from the herbal extracts of olive leaves, fumitory, and terebinth plants. Optimum nanofiber structures were identified by measuring viscosity and conductivity values and performing morphological analysis, characterization, and mechanical tests of the prepared solutions. The potential use for wound healing at the most efficient level was determined as a result of antibacterial analysis of the structures obtained. APT (PVA/terebinth) and BFO (PCL/fumitory) nanofibers had the thinnest diameter range and the highest strength values. In terms of the determination of antibacterial effects, nanofiber structures of all 3 plant species proved to be effective against bacteria. The greatest effect was observed against Escherichia coli in the nanofiber structure containing olive leaves, with a zone diameter of 32 mm. In addition, APT and BFO nanofibers had the highest values of thinness and strength. In these 2 samples, using BFO against Staphylococcus aureus and APT against Candida albicans increased their areas of activity. In the literature review, no study was available about obtaining nanofibers, especially from fumitory and terebinth plants. This study aimed to increase knowledge on obtaining nanofiber structures, including various polymers derived from olive leaves, fumitory, and terebinth plants.

Production of Nanofibers from Plant Extracts by Electrospinning Method

“…Production of nanofibers by electrospinning process; It is a subject that draws attention with its applications in many fields such as tissue engineering, drug release, filtration, automotive, energy, food industry, cosmetics, agriculture, biosensing. Although polymer contents with synthetic infrastructures are generally preferred in these applications, approaches to using natural agents with few side effects, biocompatible, sustainable, economical, biodegradable, and free from toxic components are increasing [10,27,33,41,42]. The use of natural components containing active agents in the production of nanofibers is becoming more and more common in the fight against potential health problems that may occur due to the rapidly increasing world population and environmental pollution.…”

“…The olive leaf plant, which draws attention with its biocompatible, biodegradable, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, has been used by many researchers [24][25][26][27] in the electrospinning process for use in the biomedical field. Similarly, because of its biocompatible, biodegradable and antimicrobial properties, and rosemary plant [28,29] has been used as a bioactive packaging material and to obtain nanofibers by electrospinning for use in the biomedical field.…”

Anti-leishmanial activities of Olea europaea subsp. laperrinei extracts

“…Olive leaves are known to be rich in biophenols, which have both nutritional and therapeutic properties (16). These compounds possess antimicrobial (17,18) and antiprotozoal properties (19). The bioinsecticidal activity of olive extracts proved to be effective against the mealybug (20) and against the olive psyllid (21).…”