Polylactic Acid—Lemongrass Essential Oil Nanocapsules with Antimicrobial Properties

Abstract

Polylactic acid was combined with lemongrass essential oil (EO) to produce functional nanocapsules (NCs). The obtained polylactic acid nanoparticles showed antimicrobial activity both with and without the presence of lemongrass oil; however, the presence of EO improved the activity of the NCs. The presence of lemongrass assisted the formation of well-separated NCs and also provided enhanced antimicrobial properties, since lemongrass is known for its antimicrobial character. Fluorescence microscopy was used to optically observe the nanoparticles and NCs and revealed the attachment of lemongrass oil with the polylactic acid NCs. Dynamic light scattering was used to determine their size. UV absorption was used to determine the exact amount of lemongrass oil found in the polylactic acid—lemongrass oil NCs, which was important for understanding the minimum inhibitory concentration for the antimicrobial experiments. A series of clinically important microbial species were used in the study and the obtained NCs proved to have very good antimicrobial properties against all tested strains. Such NCs can be used for the design of ecological strategies, based on natural alternatives, which may be efficient against severe infections, including those that involve resistant pathogens and biofilms or those with difficult to reach localization.

Alginate Films Encapsulating Lemongrass Essential Oil as Affected by Spray Calcium Application

“…The good mechanical properties of the natural polysaccharides and the interesting functional aspects of EOs can be held together, through emulsification, in a matrix successively used to form films with improved physicochemical features, while the EOs provide the films with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties for food preservation [11]. Of the EOs, lemongrass essential oil (LEO) exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, when encapsulated in nanocapsules of polylactic acid, and also against Botritis cynerea [12,13]. When incorporated in edible coating, LEO prolonged the shelf life of different fresh-cut fruits, such as pineapples and apples [14,15].…”

Thermomechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid-Graphene Composites: A State-of-the-Art Review for Biomedical Applications

“…PLA polymers have already been demonstrated as surgical implant materials [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], drug delivery systems [ 14 , 15 ], guided tissue and bone regeneration platforms, and also as porous scaffolds for the growth of neo-tissue [ 16 , 17 ]. Use of PLA in biomedical applications is not based only on its biodegradability but also on its thermo-mechanical properties including its suitability for shape memory effects [ 18 ].…”

Nanoencapsulation of Plant Volatile Organic Compounds to Improve Their Biological Activities

“…Lemongrass essential oil Polylactic acid nanocapsule Antibacterial [159] Origanum majorana VOCs Polycaprolactone nanocapsule Antibacterial [160] Carvacrol Chitosan nanoparticle Antibacterial [161] Carum copticum VOCs Chitosan nanoparticle Antibacterial [162] Cinnamon essential oil Nanoliposome Antibacterial [138] Tea tree essential oil Nanoliposome Antibacterial, antifungal [163] D-limonene Nanoemulsion Antibacterial [164] Cuminum cyminum VOCs Nanoemulsion Antibacterial, anticancer [156] Thyme essential oil Nanoemulsion Antibacterial [165] Carvacrol Nanoemulsion Antibacterial, antifungal [166] Cymbopogon densiflorus VOCs Nanoliposome, nanoemulsion Antibacterial, antifungal [145] Eugenia caryophyllata VOCs Solid lipid nanoparticle Antibacterial, antifungal [147] Rosmarinus officinalis VOCs Nanostructured lipid carrier Antibacterial [139] Citral Nanostructured lipid carrier Antibacterial, antifungal [140] Eucalyptus & rosemary VOCs…”