Antibacterial screening studies of electrospun Polycaprolactone nano fibrous mat containing Clerodendrum phlomidis leaves extract

Abstract

We report the design of electrospun poly caprolactone (PCL) nano fibrous mat containing ethyl acetate extract of medicinal plant Clerodendrum phlomidis L.F (CP). Non polar solvent extract of Clerodendrum phlomidis leaf analyzed for their phytochemical components and chemical identification by GC–MS analysis. More than 40 phyto constituents were identified and the major components found to be terpenoids, flavonoids, phytol, hexadecanoic acid and palmitic acid. SEM images revealed there was a substantial decrease in PCL fiber diameter from 400 to 300 nm upon CP addition. HRTEM analysis corroborates well with the SEM results obtained. X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the CP incorporation into the matrix. Water contact angle measurement showed with the addition of CP, there was an increase in wettability of the PCL fibers without affecting their mechanical properties. TGA studies showed the as spun mats were thermally stable. Antibacterial studies were investigated against the predominant pathogenic gram positive and gram negative bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhi and Escherichia coli. The releasing studies for a period of 60 h was conducted and results showed that initial burst release within first 8 h and slow release was continued over a prolonged period of time. Overall results proved that the prepared mats can find its potential application in the field of antimicrobial wound dressings and antioxidant activity.