Abstract

Chronic wounds (CW) have numerous entry ways for pathogen invasion and prosperity, damaging host tissue and hindering tissue remodeling. Essential oils (EOs) exert quick and efficient antimicrobial (AM) action, unlikely to induce bacterial resistance. Cajeput oil (CJO) has strong AM properties, namely against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as previously established by the team. Chitosan (CS) is a natural and biodegradable cationic polysaccharide, widely known for its AM features. CS (100-300 kDa; DA of 9.6±1.4%) and PVA (72 kDa, 88% hydrolyzed) films (ratio 30/70; 9%wt) were prepared by solvent casting and phase inversion method. Films thermal stability and chemical composition and reinforce the achievement of blended films. CJO-supplemented films contained a loading amount of 1 and 10wt% in relation to total polymeric mass. Loaded films with 0.89 ± 0.05 and 1.14 ± 0.10 mm in thickness were obtained, respectively, 23 and 57% thicker than the unloaded films. Degree of swelling (%) and porosity also increased, particularly with CJO at 10wt%. Tested AM activity revealed that CS films alone showed an outstanding AM activity against both bacteria, eradicating all P. aeruginosa colony traces within the hour (***p<0.001). Still, loaded CS/PVA films showed improved AM traits, being more efficient than unloaded films right after 2h of contact (*p<0.05 and **p<0.005 for CS/CJO/PVA at 1 and 10% EO, respectively, against S. aureus; *p<0.05 for CS/CJO/PVA at 10% EO, against P. aeruginosa). This study is a first proof of concept that CJO can be dispersed into CS/PVA films and show bactericidal effects, particularly against P. aeruginosa, this way opening new avenues for CW therapeutics.

Highlights

  • Chitosan-based blended films loaded with cajeput oil as enhancers of antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus and Abstract: Chronic wounds (CW) enable pathogen invasion and prosperity, damaging host tissue and impeding tissue remodeling

  • This study shows that Cajeput oil (CJO) can be dispersed into CS/PVA films and induce bactericidal effects, this way opening new avenues for CW therapeutics

  • P. aeruginosa: 10% CJO led to an increasingly bactericidal trend, clear after 2h of contact quickest AM action within 1h of incubation complete bacterial elimination in 1h, effect that endured until tested 24h the most effective after 6h with 10% Essential oils (EOs)

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Summary

Infected wounds

Bacteria are primarily responsible for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU)’s infections, being S. Bio-based treatments with quick bactericidal action and low tendency to induce resistance are greatly needed

Antimicrobial mechanisms
Antibacterial CJO
Ability to absorb exudates
Flexibility and hydrophilicity
Antibacterial testing
Findings
Conclusions and Future
Full Text
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