Abstract
Bio-based compounds are a leading direction in the context of the increased demand for these materials due to the numerous advantages associated with their use over conventional materials, which hardly degrade in the environment. At the same time, the use of essential oils and their components is generated mainly by finding alternative solutions to antibiotics and synthetic preservatives due to their bioactive characteristics, but also to their synergistic capacity during the manifestation of different biological properties. The present study is devoted to poly(ethylene brassylate-co-squaric acid) (PEBSA), synthesis and its use for thymol encapsulation and antibacterial system formation. The synthesized copolymer, performed through ethylene brassylate macrolactone ring-opening and copolymerization with squaric acid, was physicochemical characterized. Its amphiphilic character allowed the entrapment of thymol (Ty), a natural monoterpenoid phenol found in oil of thyme, a compound with strong antiseptic properties. The copolymer chemical structure was confirmed by spectroscopic analyses. Thermal analysis evidenced a good thermal stability for the copolymer. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of PEBSA_Ty complex was investigated against eight different reference strains namely: bacterial strains—Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Escherichia coli ATCC25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Klebsiella pneumonie ATCC 10031 and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, yeast strains represented by Candida albicans ATCC10231 and Candida glabrata ATCC 2001, and the fungal strain Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC9642.
Highlights
Preparation
The study presents, for the first time, the synthesis of poly(ethylene brassylate-cosquaric acid), a biobased product prepared by polycondensing of ethylene brassylate with squaric acid, and the utilisation of the copolymer for encapsulation of thymol known for its antioxidant character, strong antiseptic properties, and antimicrobial activities
Measurements show two populations of particles with dimensions of about 420 nm and another at around 5000 nm, which were justified by the ability of poly(ethylene brassylate-co-squaric acid) (PEBSA) to self-assembly through van der Waals bonds that can lead to a supramolecular structure fact evidenced by
Summary
The interest for the current use of essential oils is confirmed by the raising awareness of health and well-being among consumers, and the need to address the issue through compounds of natural sources. The utilisation of the essential oils in various fields has generated the need for their maximum and prolonged beneficial effect, especialy due to their low stability but, for their protection from oxygen, light, moisture, and heat. Numerous research studies have been developed to ensure protective covering of essential oils and their complex preparation to successfully manifest their biological properties.
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
