Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an eminent threat for the survival of mankind. Nosocomial infections caused by multidrug resistant microorganisms are a reason for morbidity and mortality worldwide. Plant-based antimicrobial agents are based on synergistic mechanisms which prevent resistance and have been used for centuries against ailments. We suggest the use of cost-effective, eco-friendly Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller (AV)-iodine biomaterials as a new generation of antimicrobial agents. In a facile, one-pot synthesis, we encapsulated fresh AV gel with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizing agent and incorporated iodine moieties in the form of iodine (I2) and sodium iodide (NaI) into the polymer matrix. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) verified the composition of AV-PVP-I2, AV-PVP-I2-NaI. AV, AV-PVP, AV-PVP-I2, AV-PVP-I2-NaI, and AV-PVP-NaI were tested in-vitro by disc diffusion assay and dip-coated on polyglycolic acid (PGA) sutures against ten microbial reference strains. All the tested pathogens were more susceptible towards AV-PVP-I2 due to the inclusion of “smart” triiodides with halogen bonding in vitro and on dip-coated sutures. The biocomplexes AV-PVP-I2, AV-PVP-I2-NaI showed remarkable antimicrobial properties. “Smart” biohybrids with triiodide inclusions have excellent antifungal and promising antimicrobial activities, with potential use against surgical site infections (SSI) and as disinfecting agents.
Highlights
Antibiotic resistance is a danger for the existence of mankind
The samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis, and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR)
These methods confirmed the composition of Aloe vera (AV)-PVP-I2 and AV-PVP-I2 -NaI
Summary
Antibiotic resistance is a danger for the existence of mankind. Infections caused by multi-drug-resistant microorganisms lead to increasing mortality, morbidity, long-term treatment and economic burden in the United States, European Union and worldwide [1,2]. Organization (WHO) considers antibiotic resistance as a major threat for human existence [3]. Resistance has emerged through the uncontrolled use of available antibiotics worldwide and missing efforts to replace them with new generations of drugs [4,5]. Delays in the healing process rates, prolonged treatment durations, rising morbidity, mortality and economic burden on the health care system are markers of the urgent need for new antimicrobial agents. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is responsible for causing the highest infection-associated deaths in the United States of America [7].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
