Abstract
Problems associated with microbial resistance to antibiotics are growing due to their overuse. In this scenario, plant extracts such as the propolis extract (PE) have been considered as potential alternatives to antibiotics in the treatment of infected wounds, due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to induce tissue regeneration. To improve the long-term effectiveness of PE in wound healing, polymeric films composed of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers are being engineered as delivery vehicles. Here, sodium alginate/gelatin (SA/GN) films containing PE were prepared via a simple, green process of solvent casting/phase inversion technique, followed by crosslinking with calcium chloride (CaCl2) solutions. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PE was established as 0.338 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and 1.353 mg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the most prevalent bacteria in infected wounds. The PE was incorporated within the polymeric films before (blended with the polymeric solution) and after (immobilization via physisorption) their production. Flexible, highly hydrated SA/GN/PE films were obtained, and their antibacterial activity was assessed via agar diffusion and killing time kinetics examinations. Data confirmed the modified films effectiveness to fight bacterial infections caused by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and their ability to be applied in the treatment of infected wounds.
Highlights
The problems associated with antimicrobial resistance against conventional antibiotics are growing due to overuse of these antimicrobial agents
These results are in agreement with other findings which state that that Gram‐positive bacteria are sensitive to low propolis concentrations while Gram‐negative bacteria only can be inhibited with higher propolis doses, due to their structural differences [8]
The sodium alginate/gelatin (SA/GN) and propolis extract (PE) loaded samples were analyzed via ATR‐FTIR and the spectra collected is presented at Figure 1
Summary
The problems associated with antimicrobial resistance against conventional antibiotics are growing due to overuse of these antimicrobial agents. Several efforts have been made in order to minimize the pace of resistance by analyzing emergent microrganisms and resistance mechanisms, as well as newer potential antimicrobial agents [1] such as biomolecules, which can present inhibition behavior against the most common bacteria found in infected wounds. In this scenario, some plant extracts have been considered as potential alternatives to antibiotics or to be used in synergy with them, once they can present promising properties (e.g., antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral and regenerative properties) [2,3]. Several studies state that propolis has no toxicity and no side effects in animal models or humans, which enables it to be used in biomedical applications such as wound healing scaffolds [9]
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