Abstract
Multi-drug resistant pathogens are a rising danger for the future of mankind. Iodine (I2) is a centuries-old microbicide, but leads to skin discoloration, irritation, and uncontrolled iodine release. Plants rich in phytochemicals have a long history in basic health care. Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller (AV) and Salvia officinalis L. (Sage) are effectively utilized against different ailments. Previously, we investigated the antimicrobial activities of smart triiodides and iodinated AV hybrids. In this work, we combined iodine with Sage extracts and pure AV gel with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as an encapsulating and stabilizing agent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-Ray-Diffraction (XRD) analysis verified the composition of AV-PVP-Sage-I2. Antimicrobial properties were investigated by disc diffusion method against 10 reference microbial strains in comparison to gentamicin and nystatin. We impregnated surgical sutures with our biohybrid and tested their inhibitory effects. AV-PVP-Sage-I2 showed excellent to intermediate antimicrobial activity in discs and sutures. The iodine within the polymeric biomaterial AV-PVP-Sage-I2 and the synergistic action of the two plant extracts enhanced the microbial inhibition. Our compound has potential for use as an antifungal agent, disinfectant and coating material on sutures to prevent surgical site infections.
Highlights
Increasing resistance to multi-drug resistant pathogens against common antibiotics and antimicrobial agents endangers the survival of our species [1,2]
Our previous investigations on “smart” triiodides and iodinated biomaterials confirm this hypothesis [31,56,72]. Such triiodides with pure halogen bonding are stable and only release molecular iodine when the biopolymer structure is deformed by electrostatic interactions with cell membranes of pathogens [31,56,61]
We believe that nature based, simple formulations may be an answer to the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance and health care emergencies like future pandemics
Summary
Increasing resistance to multi-drug resistant pathogens against common antibiotics and antimicrobial agents endangers the survival of our species [1,2]. Plant and herbal extracts are proven to have medicinal uses due to their constituents like polyphenols, flavonoids, and further classes of phytochemicals [15,16,17] Such plant-based antimicrobial agents offer valuable solutions even against the notorious ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp., and Escherichia coli) pathogens [2,17]. Plant species survived through naturally evolved synergistic mechanisms by a plethora of phytochemicals in the fight against microorganisms [15,16,17] These constituents are an integral part of a holistic approach towards the phenomenon of resistance. Herbs and spices are accessible for every household Their low-cost and eco-friendly pharmacological components can be unlocked by the simplest preparation methods. They represent a chance for low-income, under-developed populations [14]
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