Mixtures of Scutellaria baicalensis and Glycyrrhiza L. Extracts as Antibacterial and Antiviral Agents in Active Coatings

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop active packaging materials covered in active coatings (offering antibacterial and antiviral properties) that contain selected plant extracts. In addition, the synergistic effect of the active substances in these extracts was also analysed. The results of the study demonstrated that Scutellaria baicalensis and Glycyrrhiza L. extracts (two of six analysed plant extracts) were the most active agents against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Additionally, the synergistic effect of S. baicalensis and Glycyrrhiza L. extracts was noted, meaning that the effect of these two plant extract mixtures on Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas syringae growth was higher than the activity of individual pure extracts. Mixtures of the extracts were introduced into the coating carrier. A polyethylene (PE) foil was then coated with active layers containing mixtures of S. baicalensis and Glycyrrhiza L. extracts as antimicrobial agents. The results of this research showed that all of the active coatings had a bacteriolytic effect on B. subtilis and a bacteriostatic effect on S. aureus cells. The coatings were found to be inactive against E. coli and P. syringae cells. This means that the coatings could be used as internal coatings to preserve food products against Gram-positive bacteria that may be responsible for food spoilage. The results of this study also demonstrated that the coatings were highly active against phage phi 6 phage particles, used as SARS-CoV-2 surrogate. This means that the coatings could be used as external coatings to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria via human hands.

Scutellaria petiolata Hemsl. ex Lace & Prain (Lamiaceae).: A New Insight in Biomedical Therapies

“…The recent studies uncovered that significant inhibition was exhibited against the Gram-positive bacterial strains as compared to the Gram-negative bacterial strains consented with the findings of Shah et al [ 2 ] which screened S. edelbergii and also the literature stated by Leach et al [ 81 ] for S. baicalensis. Our recent data was not equated to the findings of Arituluk et al [ 82 ], Yilmaz et al [ 26 ], and Ordan et al [ 83 ] for some Scutellaria species.…”

Overview of Food Antimicrobial Packaging

“…The LDPE active film was also confirmed to be active against phi 6 phage particles, meaning that the active foil sample had antiviral properties. A PE foil covered with active layers containing mixtures of Styloscolex baicalensis and Glycyrrhiza L. extracts as antibacterial compounds were found to have bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus cells and bacteriolytic effect on B. subtilis [97]. The layers were confirmed to be inactive against E. coli and P. syringae cells.…”

“…For instance, the demand for disposable polymers/biopolymers is expected to increase by 40% in packaging. Safety concerns related to shopping in supermarkets and small markets during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to the use of fresh-food products offered in polymer containers by suppliers and consumers, as well as the use of single-use food packaging materials and polymer bags to carry groceries [94,[96][97][98]. Multilayered active packaging systems are being developed to improve packaging properties, such as barrier properties, mechanical properties, antimicrobial effectiveness against bacteria, and yeast and molds responsible for food spoilage.…”

“…Multilayered packaging systems are being developed through coextrusion, lamination, or covering with coatings [95]. This safe packaging should have an internal coating or extruded film layer to protect food products and an external coating or extruded film layer with antiviral compounds to protect customers (Figure 2) [94][95][96][97][98]. Additionally, this packaging-coated material or material containing antiviral substance should be active during storage, meaning it should offer sufficient resistance against UV aging or be shielded against ultraviolet light through the shielding properties of additives [94,[96][97][98].…”

“…In order to prepare antiviral coatings or films, many compounds, which are effective against viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, such as ZnO nanoparticles, Ag nanoparticles, essential oils, and plant extracts, may be used [94][95][96][97][98][99][100]. As an example, Mizielińska et al [94] developed an active coating based on nanoparticles of ZnO, geraniol, and carvacrol.…”