The Use of Biopolymers as a Natural Matrix for Incorporation of Essential Oils of Medicinal Plants

Abstract

The benefits of using biopolymers for the development of films and coatings are well known. The enrichment of these material properties through various natural additions has led to their applicability in various fields. Essential oils, which are well-known for their beneficial properties, are widely used as encapsulating agents in films based on biopolymers. In this study, we developed biopolymer-based films and tested their properties following the addition of 7.5% and 15% (w/v) essential oils of lemon, orange, grapefruit, cinnamon, clove, chamomile, ginger, eucalyptus or mint. The samples were tested immediately after development and after one year of storage in order to examine possible long-term property changes. All films showed reductions in mass, thickness and microstructure, as well as mechanical properties. The most considerable variations in physical properties were observed in the 7.5% lemon oil sample and the 15% grapefruit oil sample, with the largest reductions in mass (23.13%), thickness (from 109.67 µm to 81.67 µm) and density (from 0.75 g/cm3 to 0.43 g/cm3). However, the microstructure of the sample was considerably improved. Although the addition of lemon essential oil prevented the reduction in mass during the storage period, it favored the degradation of the microstructure and the loss of elasticity (from 16.7% to 1.51% for the sample with 7.5% lemon EO and from 18.28% to 1.91% for the sample with 15% lemon EO). Although the addition of essential oils of mint and ginger resulted in films with a more homogeneous microstructure, the increase in concentration favored the appearance of pores and modifications of color parameters. With the exception of films with added orange, cinnamon and clove EOs, the antioxidant capacity of the films decreased during storage. The most obvious variations were identified in the samples with lemon, mint and clove EOs. The most unstable samples were those with added ginger (95.01%), lemon (92%) and mint (90.22%).

Antibacterial Activity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Loaded with Essential Oils

“…The thyme essential oil was used as an antiparasitic or to treat minor wounds from ancient times due to its strong antimicrobial properties [21,22]. Lavender [23,24], grapefruit [25,26], bergamot [27,28], cinnamon [29,30], and rosemary [31,32] essential oils have strong antimicrobial activity and therefore are good candidates for innovative antibacterial and antifungal therapies and materials. Nevertheless, the essential oils must be loaded or encapsulated in a matrix, be it organic or inorganic, to ensure a longer release profile, and a sustained antimicrobial activity [33,34].…”

Editorial for Special Issue: Gel Films and Coatings Applied in Active Food Packaging

“…Puscaselu et al [ 6 ] developed biopolymer-based films (agar and sodium alginate) and tested their properties following additions of 7.5% and 15% ( w / v ) of various essential oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit, cinnamon, clove, chamomile, ginger, eucalyptus, or mint). The samples were tested immediately after their development and after one year of storage to examine the possible long-term property changes.…”

Preparation and Biological Activity Studies of Octenyl Succinic Anhydride Starch-Based Emulsions Containing Natural Essential Oils and Their Components

“…Encapsulation is a promising tool to overcome the various limitations of EO formulations, improve their functionality, and protect them from external environmental conditions [11]. Natural biopolymers are nontoxic and biodegradable substances and can be used as carrier materials in the encapsulation of bioactive compounds [12]. Polysaccharides such as starch, chitosan, carrageenan, and cellulose can be used as matrixes for the various biologically active substances for the development of different forms such as emulsions [13], powders [14], coatings [15], films [16], patches [10], and wound dressings [17].…”