Optimization of Carvacrol Nanoemulsion for the Incorporation in Pectin Membranes: Influence on Their Load Capacity, Microstructure and Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

Interest in developing novel wound dressings with antibacterial properties elaborated from natural sources continues to grow. In this study, a Tween-80 (T80)-stabilized carvacrol (CAR) emulsion was incorporated into pectin (PEC) membranes at 0 (control), 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00% (v/v). Membranes were obtained by the dry-casting method, characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and CAR retention (HPLC), and tested for antibacterial activity. The retention percentage of CAR in the membranes ranged from 9.1-13.9%. Infrared spectra analysis indicated changes in the hydrogen bonds of the membranes that suggest an interaction between the polymer matrix and the CAR:T80 emulsion. Microstructural analysis of the membranes showed the presence of hole-like features on the surface (≈ 4-6 µm diameter) that indicate entrapment of the micelles in the matrix (microcapsules). The PEC-CAR membranes exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, two pathogens commonly associated with wounds and intra-hospital infections.

Novel Gold Nanorods@Thiolated Pectin on the Killing of HeLa Cells by Photothermal Ablation

“…This biopolymer is an anionic heteropolysaccharide, which, like other biopolymers, has been widely considered in the pharmaceutical area as an encapsulation agent for drugs and active compounds thanks to its solubility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability properties [37]. Additionally, PEC has a grafted structure, distinct from other polysaccharides with a linear structure used in the stabilization of gold nanoparticles and gold nanorods [31,38]. Furthermore, PEC has been the subject of numerous studies and applications since its chemical composition facilitates its functionalization or chemical modification with different types of molecules [30,39,40].…”