pseudo-Fickian Diffusion Research Articles

Comparison of the Adsorption and Desorption Dynamics of Biological Molecules on Alginate Hydrogel Microcapsules-The Case of Sugars, Polyphenols, and Proteins.

The aim of this work was to analyze and compare the adsorption and desorption processes of carbohydrates (glucose as a model molecule), polyphenols (gallic acid as a model molecule), and proteins (bovine serum albumin, BSA as a model molecule) on alginate microcapsules. The adsorption and desorption processes were described by mathematical models (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Weber-Morris intraparticle diffusion model for adsorption, and first-order, Korsmeyer-Peppas, and the Higuchi model for desorption) in order to determine the dominant mechanisms responsible for both processes. By comparing the values of adsorption rate (k2) and initial adsorption rate (h0) based on the pseudo-first-order model, the lowest values were recorded for BSA (k1 = 0.124 ± 0.030 min-1), followed by glucose (k1 = 0.203 ± 0.041 min-1), while the model-obtained values for gallic acid were not considered significant at p < 0.05. For glucose and gallic acid, the limiting step of the adsorption process is the chemical sorption of substances, and the rate of adsorption does not depend on the adsorbate concentration, but depends on the capacity of the hydrogel adsorbent. Based on the desorption rates determined by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model (k), the highest values were recorded for gallic acid (k = 3.66236 ± 0.20776 g beads/mg gallic acid per min), followed by glucose (k = 2.55760 ± 0.16960 g beads/mg glucose per min) and BSA (k = 0.78881 ± 0.11872 g beads/mg BSA per min). The desorption process from alginate hydrogel microcapsules is characterized by the pseudo Fickian diffusion mechanism.

Alginate hydrogel incorporating cellulose nanofiber from solid waste agar industry for hydrophobic antibiotic delivery: Synthesis and characterization

Undoubtedly, there is an increasing inclination towards the development of hydrogels derived from natural sources for the purpose of delivering hydrophobic antibiotics. In this study, alginate hydrogels containing cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were synthesized from solid waste agar industry (SWAI) via Hydrated deep eutectic solvent (DES) hydrolysis and mechanical treatment, intending to encapsulate chloramphenicol and examine the properties of the alginate-CNF (ALG-CNF) hydrogel at various CNF concentrations. The CNF displays a fibrous morphology, surface charge of − 39.3 ± 0.3 mV, 62.95% crystallinity, and type-I cellulose. The incorporation of CNF notably affected the characteristics of the ALG-CNF hydrogel. Chloramphenicol was effectively encapsulated within the ALG-CNF hydrogel matrix. Chloramphenicol release showed a biphasic profile, with controlled release occurring within 48 h. The drug release kinetics adhered to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, reflecting pseudo-Fickian diffusion (n < 0.45), with a high determination coefficient (R² ≈ 0.95). Antibacterial susceptibility tests demonstrated that ALG-CNF hydrogels inhibited the growth of E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa. The ALG-CNF hydrogel demonstrated favorable physical properties, drug release, and antibacterial properties, making it a prospective candidate for future studies on wound dressings and hydrophobic drug delivery systems.

Sustained drug release behavior of captopril-incorporated chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose biomaterials for antihypertensive therapy

Captopril (CTP) is an oral drug widely used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. In this study, CTP-incorporated biomaterials for antihypertensive therapy were synthesized from chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, and plasticizers. The physicochemical properties of the prepared biomaterials were characterized using FE-SEM, FT-IR analysis, and physical properties. CTP release experiments were carried out in buffer solutions at various pH values and temperatures. Results indicated that above 99.0 % of CTP was released within 180 min. Optimization of the experimental conditions for CTP release was analyzed by using response surface methodology (RSM). Results of CTP release through artificial skin indicated that CTP was continuously released above 95.0 % from the prepared biomaterials for 36.0 h. The CTP release mechanisms into a buffer and through artificial skin followed pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism and non-Fickian diffusion mechanisms, respectively. Moreover, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition (related to cardiovascular disease) via the released CTP clearly reveals that the prepared biomaterials have a high potential as a transdermal drug delivery agent in antihypertensive therapy.

Microwave‐assisted molding of sisal/HDPEcomposites: Water absorption, diffusion kinetics and tribological behavior

AbstractRecyclability and environmental safety have prompted research toward clean and energy‐efficient manufacturing technologies for natural fiber‐reinforced composites. In the current investigation sisal/HDPE composites were fabricated using a novel energy and time efficient microwave‐assisted molding (MAM) method. Sisal fibers were successfully treated with novel microwave‐assisted alkali treatment (MAAT) at 640 W microwave power. For the outdoor application the effect of treatment method on mechanical properties, water absorption, and tribological behavior of the developed composites were studied. The treated composites have been found to absorb less water by 45.28% as compared to untreated (UT). The developed composites recorded increase in tensile strength (36.5%), flexural strength (41.05%), and hardness (4.38%) as compared to UT composites, which could be attributed to effective partial removal of non‐cellulosic content after treatment from fiber surface. During the wear test, sisal/HDPE composite was employed as a pin, and the abrasive paper (P1000) served as a counter surface in the pin‐on‐disc (POD) arrangement for two‐body abrasive wear. The SWR, COF, and friction force values of the treated composites reduced by about 61.72%, 33.33%, and 34%, respectively, as compared to those for the UT composites at minimum normal load (10 N) and sliding speed (0.5 m/s) which was due to positive effect of MAAT. Scanning electron microscope was used to examine the worn surface of composites to understand the mode of wear mechanism.HighlightsNovel microwave‐assisted alkali treatment (MAAT) was used for treatment of fibers.MAAT increased the fiber roughness.Microwave‐assisted molding was used for fabrication of composites.The water absorption behavior followed the Pseudo Fickian diffusion mechanism.Polymeric composites with MAAT fiber had optimum performance.

Chitosan Sponges with Instantaneous Shape Recovery and Multistrain Antibacterial Activity for Controlled Release of Plant-Derived Polyphenols.

Biomass-derived materials with multiple features are seldom reported so far. Herein, new chitosan (CS) sponges with complementary functions for point-of-use healthcare applications were prepared by glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linking and tested for antibacterial activity, antioxidant properties, and controlled delivery of plant-derived polyphenols. Their structural, morphological, and mechanical properties were thoroughly assessed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and uniaxial compression measurements, respectively. The main features of sponges were modulated by varying the CS concentration, cross-linking ratio, and gelation conditions (either cryogelation or room-temperature gelation). They exhibited complete water-triggered shape recovery after compression, remarkable antibacterial properties against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes)) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium)) strains, as well as good radical scavenging activity. The release profile of a plant-derived polyphenol, namely curcumin (CCM), was investigated at 37 °C in simulated gastrointestinal media. It was found that CCM release was dependent on the composition and the preparation strategy of sponges. By linearly fitting the CCM kinetic release data from the CS sponges with the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic models, a pseudo-Fickian diffusion release mechanism was predicted.

κ-Carrageenan/konjac glucomannan composite hydrogel filled with rhamnolipid-stabilized nanostructured lipid carrier: Improvement of structure and properties

This study investigated the feasibility of applying rhamnolipid-stabilized nanostructured lipid carrier (RNLC) as a novel type of particulate filler and its impact on the structure and properties of κ-carrageenan/konjac glucomannan (KC-KGM) composite hydrogel. RNLC particles (204.87 ± 3.50 nm) were fabricated by high-pressure homogenization method. X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry results suggested that KC-KGM could regulate the crystallinity and polymorphism of RNLC. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis verified the presence of hydrogen bond and electrostatic interaction between RNLC and KC-KGM. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging observation revealed that the increase of RNLC (0–0.25 wt%) led to a denser network structure with good uniformity, improving the texture profiles (hardness and cohesiveness) and rheological properties (moduli, critical strain and thermal stability) of composite hydrogels. RNLC at higher filling levels (0.5–2 wt%) made composite hydrogels more rigid and brittle. Low field-nuclear magnetic resonance analysis confirmed the decreased mobility of immobilized/free hydrogen protons in RNLC-filled composite hydrogels, and their water synthesis rates could be reduced by up to 12.26% after freeze-thawing for five repetitions. The fitting of Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R2 > 0.992) unraveled that the swelling mechanism of composite hydrogels belonged to pseudo-Fickian diffusion, and the swelling behavior could be altered by adjusting the particle filling level. Overall, the optimal synergistic effect between structure and properties could be achieved when the mass ratio of KC-KGM to RNLC reached 4:1. These findings would bring more potential for applying RNLC as a functional filler in gel foods.

Fabrication of chitosan-gelatin films incorporated with thymol-loaded alginate microparticles for controlled drug delivery, antibacterial activity and wound healing: In-vitro and in-vivo studies

Previously, studies have demonstrated the unique characteristics of chitosan-gelatin films as wound dressings applications. However, their application has been limited due to their inadequacy of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory characteristics. To improve the intended multifunctional characteristics of chitosan-gelatin film, in this study, we designed a novel composite film with the capability of controlled and prolonged release of thymol as a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial drug. Here, thymol-loaded ALG MPs (Thymol-ALG MPs) were prepared by electrospraying method and incorporated into the chitosan-gelatin film. The composite wound dressings of Thymol-ALG MPs incorporated in chitosan-gelatin film (CS-GEL/Thymol-ALG MPs) were characterized by in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The Thymol-ALG MPs demonstrated spherical and uniform morphology, with high encapsulation efficiency (88.9 ± 1.1 %). The CS-GEL/Thymol-ALG MPs exhibited high antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and no cytotoxicity for the L929 fibroblast cells. The release trend of thymol from CS-GEL/Thymol-ALG MPs and Thymol-ALG MPs followed a pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism. This wound dressing effectively accelerates the wound healing process at rats' full-thickness skin excisions. Also, the histological analysis demonstrated that the CS-GEL/Thymol-ALG MPs could significantly enhance epithelialization, collagen deposition, and induce skin regeneration. The present antibacterial composite film has promising characteristics for wound dressings applications.

Synthesis and drug release behavior of functional montelukast imprinted inulin-based biomaterials as asthma treatment

In this study, functional montelukast (MTL) imprinted biomaterials were prepared using inulin (INL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), MTL, sunset yellow FCF (SY) as a light stabilizer, plasticizers, and press needle (PN). INL-based biomaterials were synthesized with a casting method followed by heat curing. MTL and biomaterials were characterized by FE-SEM, FT-IR, and 1H NMR. In addition, MTL release properties on MTL imprinted biomaterials were examined at pH 5.5 at various temperatures. Results showed that MTL release (%) of SY added biomaterials was increased by 1.97 times compared to those of MTL imprinted biomaterials without the addition of SY. This might be because SY, a light stabilizer, could inhibit the degradation of MTL by light. Results of MTL release using artificial skin verified that MTL was released sustainably for 12 h. We further confirmed that MTL release at pH 5.5 at various temperatures followed the pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism, whereas MTL release using artificial skin followed the non-Fickian diffusion mechanism.

Evaluation of the Adsorption and Desorption Dynamics of Beet Juice Red Dye on Alginate Microbeads

The use of alginate microcapsules has often been mentioned as one of the ways to remove dyes from waste solvents, water and materials from the food industry. In addition, alginate can be used as a wall material for the microencapsulation of food dyes and their further application in the food industry. The aims of this study were to: (i) determine the effect of the alginate concentration (1, 2, 3 and 4%) on the ability of the adsorption and desorption of natural beetroot red dye and (ii) evaluate the kinetic parameters of the adsorption and desorption process, as well as the factors affecting and limiting those processes. According to the obtained results, the viscosity of alginate solutions increased with an increase in the alginate concentration. Based on k2 values (the pseudo-second order kinetic rate constant), when a more concentrated solution of alginate was used in the adsorption process, the beads adsorbed a smaller amount of dye. Furthermore, based on the values for n derived from the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, the dye release rates (k) were higher for beads made with lower alginate concentrations, and this release was governed by a pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism (n values ranged from 0.2709 to 0.3053).

Preparation of a sustainable Zeolite A using an agroindustry solid waste loaded with silver nanoparticles: Antimicrobial activity study

This paper reports the synthesis of a microporous sustainable Zeolite A material using an agroindustry solid waste (SZA) and its functionalization with silver nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles with ca. 9.0 nm of diameter onto SZA where were obtained using a sodium citrate reduction route. The release transport properties of Ag+ ions from SZA were investigated. We found that silver ions released from the SZA is controlled by the pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Furthermore, its demonstrate that the Colony-Forming Units (CFU) of (L. monocytogenes; P. auriginosa; S. aureus; S. typhinimurium; E. coli and S. epidermidis) decreases significantly after exposure to the SZA loaded with silver nanoparticles. The antimicrobial activity of this SZA loaded with silver nanoparticles relies on the exposure time with microorganism and concentration of these materials.

Freeze-thawed hydrogel loaded by Piper crocatum extract with in-vitro antibacterial and release tests

Indonesian red betel ( Piper crocatum ) has been used traditionally to cure wounds and to prevent diseases as well as an antiseptic, while the leaves were also reported to inhibit the growth of bacteria. On the other hand, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a suitable biomaterial with a wide range of applications after being transformed into hydrogels. This paper reports on the encapsulation of P. crocatum extract in PVA hydrogel synthesized by the freeze-thaw method with varying compositions and its characterizations. The internal morphology of the composite hydrogels did show some phase separation between the liquid and solid phases, while the analysis of the Fourier-transform infrared spectra confirmed that the P. crocatum extract was successfully encapsulated in the hydrogels. The hydrogels were amorphous due to the scattering of the liquid trapped within the pores. The extract was stable within the range of the room to body temperature since no significant mass decomposition of the extract was observed. The compressive modulus and the fracture stress of the composite hydrogel decreased as the fraction of extract increased due to the unfrozen ethanol fraction during the freeze-thaw process. The composite hydrogels loaded by P. crocatum extract possessed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram-negative). The release of extract from the hydrogels was immediate release following the pseudo-fickian diffusion for most of the composite hydrogels. This report thus suggests that the composite hydrogels are potential antibacterial products and can be applied for a biomedical device that requires antibacterial activity.

Investigation of morphology, micelle properties, drug encapsulation and release behavior of self-assembled PEG-PLA-PEG block copolymers: A coarse-grained molecular simulations study

Targeted drug delivery has become one of the key fields of personalized medicine. Developing candidate drug delivery agents requires a thorough understanding of the drug carrier materials by means of structure, drug encapsulation and release properties. To this aim, coarse-grained DPD simulations are employed to study the morphology, drug encapsulation and release of a particular amphiphilic block copolymer system. Extent of the drug encapsulation and release are observed to be mainly affected from copolymer concentration in the mixture. Mean aggregation number and average micelle volume are observed to increase as drug is encapsulated in the micelles. In addition, the shape of micelles is characterized as mainly spherical. It is observed that the drug release follows a pseudo-Fickian diffusion model and can be represented by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. Furthermore, the diffusion rate of the drug molecules is observed to increase mainly in the release-phase. Our simulations can be viewed as a computational attempt to model the drug encapsulation and release by mimicking real experimental conditions, while yielding results on the structure and dynamics of the polymeric carrier. The results can be anticipated to find applications in understanding and controlling the parameters to design candidate drug delivery micelles at the molecular level.

Chloramphenicol Loaded Sponges Based on PVA/Nanocellulose Nanocomposites for Topical Wound Delivery

In the present study, polymer sponges based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared for the topical wound administration of chloramphenicol (CHL), an antibiotic widely used to treat bacterial infections. Nanocellulose fibrils (CNF) were homogenously dispersed in PVA sponges in three different ratios (2.5, 5, and 10 wt %) to improve the mechanical properties of neat PVA sponges. Infrared spectroscopy showed hydrogen bond formation between CNF and PVA, while scanning electron microscopy photos verified the successful dispersion of CNF to PVA sponges. The addition of CNF successfully enhanced the mechanical properties of PVA sponges, exhibiting higher compressive strength as the content of CNF increased. The PVA sponge containing 10 wt % CNF, due to its higher compression strength, was further studied as a matrix for CHL delivery in 10, 20, and 30 wt % concentration of the drug. X-ray diffraction showed that CHL was encapsulated in an amorphous state in the 10 and 20 wt % samples, while some crystallinity was observed in the 30 wt % ratio. In vitro dissolution studies showed enhanced CHL solubility after its incorporation in PVA/10 wt % CNF sponges. Release profiles showed a controlled release lasting three days for the sample containing 10 wt % CHL and 1.5 days for the other two samples. According to modelling, the release is driven by a pseudo-Fickian diffusion.

Analysis of the Adsorption and Release Processes of Bioactives from Lamiaceae Plant Extracts on Alginate Microbeads

Microencapsulation is a frequently used method for protection of functional properties of bioactives. In this study, alginate was used for microencapsulation of the bioactives from five Lamiaceae family plants: lavender, lemon balm, peppermint, sage, and thyme. Analysis of the adsorption and release processes of Lamiaceae bioactives on alginate microbeads was also performed. Based on the analysis of the extract used for the adsorption process, it was concluded that the highest amount of polyphenols (30% of the polyphenols contained in the extract) was transferred to the microbeads from the thyme extract. Also, a period of bead shrinkage during the adsorption process was detected which lasted until 30 min for thyme, 50 min for lavender, lemon balm, and peppermint, while the shrinkage for the sage extract lasted for 60 min. During the release process, a simultaneous rise of conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), polyphenolic (TPC), and antioxidant capacity values in the release media was detected at regular time intervals. The best suited model for the description of the release kinetics was the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, based on which it was concluded that the lemon balm polyphenols entrapped in the alginate matrix were released the fastest (k = 0.326 ± 0.048 min−1) and that the release was governed by a pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism, since the calculated release exponent values (n) were lower than 0.5.

Highly branched corn starch: Preparation, encapsulation, and release of ascorbic acid

The aim of this study was to prepare a supporting carrier, namely highly branched corn starch (HBCS), and to investigate its encapsulation property with ascorbic acid (AA). High amylose corn starch was converted into HBCS via dual enzymatic modification by successively using α-amylase and glycogen branching enzyme. The results showed that the ratio of α-1, 6 linkage of HBCS increased by 1.93%, and a short-to-medium chain length distribution with a compact branched conformation was formed, which suggested HBCS could be a potential highly branched carrier. The HBCS-AA inclusion complex was formed as confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry. The release of AA conformed to the pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism and followed the first-order kinetics. Meanwhile, the photostability and thermostability of the embedded AA were moderately enhanced. These findings suggest that HBCS provides new insights into the preparation of wall materials and can be potentially used to deliver AA into food systems.

Diclofenac release from alginate/carboxymethyl cellulose mono and bilayer films for wound dressing applications

In this study, alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were used to create films to serve as materials for wound dressing applications. These films were obtained by casting as monolayer (ML) and bilayer (BL) structures with and without diclofenac (MLD and BLD, respectively). Morphological characteristics of the films, incorporation efficiency, mechanical properties, water behavior properties, and release kinetics in aqueous media were evaluated. In addition, the mass transfer mechanisms were determined by fitting mathematical models to the experimental data. Bilayer films showed higher diclofenac incorporation efficiency (77.3%) than the monolayer films (57.5%), and both morphological structures were homogeneous and cohesive. The incorporation of diclofenac lowered the mechanical properties of the films without modifying the water absorption capacity. The BLD film had a slower release time (600 min) than the MLD (420 min), thus demonstrating the drug-free layer acts as a barrier to mass transfer and reduces the burst effect. The release from both films was influenced by diffusion; the apparent diffusion coefficients were in the order of 10–14 m2 s−1. MLD had pseudo-Fickian diffusion while BLD had anomalous diffusion. This study demonstrated that the alginate and CMC-based matrices have potential to be used as drug-delivery systems for wound dressing applications.

Three fluid nozzle spray drying for co-encapsulation and controlled release of curcumin and resveratrol

This study reports the first time development of sodium alginate and carboxy methyl cellulose microparticles for co-delivery of curcumin and resveratrol through conventional two fluid nozzle (2FN) and three fluid nozzle (3FN) spray drying. More than 9% increase in loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of bioactives was observed in microparticles formed through 3FN than from 2FN spray drying. Florescence imaging proved the formation of core-shell microparticles from 3FN spray drying. DSC and XRD pattern confirmed that encapsulation changes the crystallinity of bioactives to amorphous form. Controlled release of resveratrol encapsulated in the core of the microparticles produced from 3FN was evident in comparison with 2FN microparticles. Release kinetics of both bioactives best fit the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, explaining pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism for resveratrol from core and anomalous diffusion for curcumin from shell. Overall, results confirmed that the 3FN spray drying is a prospective commercially scalable approach for effective co-delivery of bioactive molecules.

Controlled release of nisin from polyvinyl alcohol - Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum composite films: Nisin kinetics

Antimicrobial biodegradable films based on PVA-AHSG incorporated with nisin were prepared. These films were characterized for their ability to control the overall release rate of nisin into foods, which would be needed for active food packaging. The objectives of this study were to assay the biodegradable films for nisin release, and to investigate their antimicrobial activity against L. innocua. The release kinetics of nisin from the films were described using Fick's Second Law, mass ratio, partition coefficient, desorption coefficient and the Weibull model. All PVA-AHSG films showed inhibition zones that increased with increasing nisin concentration. Nisin release increased as its concentration in the film matrix increased. Release of nisin was faster at higher concentrations, and the diffusion coefficients increased significantly with increasing concentration. The partition coefficient (k) values obtained were 1.42, 0.61 and 0.64 for 3000, 5000 and 10,000 IU of nisin, respectively. According to the Weibull parameters, nisin is released following pseudo-Fickian diffusion. Results showed that the PVA-AHSG composite films showed promise for developing controlled release applications with nisin in aqueous solutions.

Cefazolin-loaded polycaprolactone fibers produced via different electrospinning methods: Characterization, drug release and antibacterial effect

Antibiotic containing polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers were produced by using three electrospinning methods: blend, emulsion and co-axial electrospinning (labeled as S1, S2 and S3, respectively). The profiles of drug release from three different systems were studied and antimicrobial properties of produced materials were evaluated. Morphology of the produced fibers was characterized and revealed that cefazolin-loaded PCL fibers had smaller diameter compared to neat PCL fibers, while the chemical interaction between the antibiotic and PCL showed that cefazolin neither had reacted with PCL phase, nor had degraded during the electrospinning process. The crystallinity and thermal characterization of fabricated fibers showed that the addition of cefazolin decreased the crystallinity of PCL. The results of the drug release behavior of the blend and co-axial electrospun fibers was on a higher level (~68% and ~43%, respectively) compared to the emulsion electrospun fibers (~5%), after a period of 30 days. The obtained data had the best fitting with the first order model and the Higuchi model, while the Korsmeyer-Peppas model showed a Pseudo-Fickian diffusion of the drug. Antibacterial evaluations showed that cefazolin-loaded PCL fibers had better effects on Staphylococcus aureus compared to Escherichia coli during the treatment period and that the effect of the emulsion fibers was notably weaker than the other two studied systems. The aim of the study was to test different systems for control drug release of different dynamics, which will be applied for prevent bacterial accumulation when indwelling urinary catheters, applied for different periods of time.

Retention of antibacterial and antioxidant properties of lemongrass oil loaded on cellulose nanofibre-poly ethylene glycol composite

The lemongrass oil (LgEo) exhibits excellent antioxidant and antibacterial properties. However, low aqueous solubility and instability of its major constituents reduced the retention of these properties for the longer time. Hence, LgEo loaded composites of cellulose nanofibres (CNFs)- polyethylene glycol (PEG) were fabricated through melt and mixing process and sustainability of their antioxidant and antibacterial properties was assessed. The interaction of essential oil with composite systems was evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and quantification of released major compounds up to 120 days was done by Solid phase micro extraction/Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (SPME/GC–MS) methods. Results suggested that composite systems were able to sustained major compounds of lemongrass essential oil (geranial, neral and geranyl acetate) up to 120 days and followed Pseudo Fickian diffusion of aroma molecules. In vitro study of total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic, free radical scavenging efficiency and antibacterial properties (against S. aureus and E. coli) of the composites were suggested that composite system retained the properties of the pure lemongrass oil. These results indicate that fabricated scented composites can be used further in various industrial applications such as indoor air quality improvement materials and food storage.