MAPLE Coatings Embedded with Essential Oil-Conjugated Magnetite for Anti-Biofilm Applications

Abstract

The present study reports on the development and evaluation of nanostructured composite coatings of polylactic acid (PLA) embedded with iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) modified with Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil. The co-precipitation method was employed to synthesize the magnetite particles conjugated with Eucalyptus natural antibiotic (Fe3O4@EG), while their composition and microstructure were investigated using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique was further employed to obtain PLA/Fe3O4@EG thin films. Optimal experimental conditions for laser processing were established by complementary infrared microscopy (IRM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations. The in vitro biocompatibility with eukaryote cells was proven using mesenchymal stem cells, while the anti-biofilm efficiency of composite PLA/Fe3O4@EG coatings was assessed against Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens.

Iron Oxide–Silica Core–Shell Nanoparticles Functionalized with Essential Oils for Antimicrobial Therapies

“…In this manner, the higher affinity for water adsorption could be attributed to the higher hydrodynamic diameter previously reported. Moreover, the absence of the exothermic effects at ~300 °C and ~600 °C that are generally attributed to the transformation of magnetite into maghemite and subsequently of maghemite to hematite demonstrate that the iron oxide core is protected from thermal oxidation [ 62 , 63 ]. This hypothesis was also confirmed after the analysis, as the residual powder maintained its magnetic behavior.…”

Biodegradable Alginate Films with ZnO Nanoparticles and Citronella Essential Oil—A Novel Antimicrobial Structure

“…The environmental factors and the need to decrease food losses are constantly pressuring the food packaging industry to develop new types of antimicrobial and biodegradable materials. Such innovative materials can actively control the microorganisms’ proliferation, reducing the food loss by spoilage, prolonging the shelf life and in the end ensuring a better food quality and safety [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

Antibacterial Biodegradable Films Based on Alginate with Silver Nanoparticles and Lemongrass Essential Oil–Innovative Packaging for Cheese

“…The pressure of environmental concerns will phase out the petroleumbased materials, which will increase the need for innovative, biodegradable polymeric packaging materials such as chitosan [3], alginate [4], cellulose [5], starch [6], pullulan [7], polylactic acid [8], etc. The need to decrease the food waste, and the desire to increase the food safety and to prolong the shelf life creates pressure on the food packaging industry to develop and adopt new antimicrobial materials [9][10][11]. Besides chitosan, none of these biopolymers present antimicrobial activity [12].…”