Antimicrobial Topical Polymeric Films Loaded with Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) and Silver Nanoparticles: Optimization, Characterization, and Biological Activity

Abstract

The study examined the use of pure Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) and its derivatives as antimicrobial topical polymeric films. The concentrations of pure AKBA, boswellic acid (BA), and Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) of AKBA used were optimized at 0.05% (w/v) to assess the biopolymer characteristics. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), sodium alginate (SA), and gelatin (Ge) composite were prepared in this study. The polymeric films were evaluated for their biological (antioxidant and antimicrobial activities) and mechanical characteristics such as tensile strength (TS) and elongation (%). Moreover, other parameters including water barrier properties and color attributes of the film were also evaluated. Furthermore, assessments were conducted using analytical techniques like FTIR, XRD, and SEM. Surface analysis revealed that AgNP precipitation led to a few particles in the film structure. Overall, the results indicate a relatively consistent microstructure. Moreover, due to the addition of AKBA and bioactive components, a significant decrease in TS, moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor permeation was observed. The films transparency also showed a decreasing trend, and the color analysis revealed decreasing yellowness (b*) of the films. Importantly, a significant increase in antioxidant activity against DPPH free radicals and ABTS cations was observed in the CSG films. Additionally, the AgNP-AKBA loaded films displayed significant antifungal activity against C. albicans. Moreover, the molecular docking analysis revealed the inter-molecular interactions between the AKBA, AgNPs, and composite films. The docking results indicate good binding of AKBA and silver nanoparticles with gelatin and cellulose molecules. In conclusion, these polymeric films have potential as novel materials with significant antioxidant and antifungal activities.