Sage seed gum as a novel source for polysaccharide-based antibacterial nanofibers: Physical, chemical, and rheological characterization

Abstract

In this study, the sage seed gum (SSG) was electrospun as a polysaccharide polymer blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to construct nanofibrous mats for antibacterial applications. The rheological properties of the PVA/SSG solutions were investigated before electrospinning. Oscillatory, shear, and steady shear tests demonstrated that the PVA/SSG solutions had a viscous behavior, exhibiting a higher consistency coefficient ( k) and a lower flow behavior index ( n) at the higher PVA incorporation levels. The morphological studies by SEM images revealed that the PVA/SSG nanofibers were produced without bead defects within the diameter range of 130–300 nm. The in vitro degradation tests showed that the PVA/SSG nanofibers (at different SSG contents) were degraded by approx. 60–70% of their initial weight after one day of the degradation test. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus microbial species and biodegradation tests also verified that the produced nanofibers could be implemented for antibacterial applications. The SSG polymer in the form of nanofibers can be, therefore, used as a natural and low-cost polymer for special antibacterial applications such as wound healing.