Clove essential oil (CEO) is known for having excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, but the poor stability of its components to light and temperature compromise this activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the textural, antioxidant, antimicrobial and microstructural properties of matrixes produced with representative natural waxes and CEO. Thus, waxy emulsifiers, such as beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, and ozokerite wax, were employed to create such matrixes. The thermal, microstructural, textural, wetting, antioxidant, antimicrobial and infrared characteristics of the matrixes were then studied. The diverse chemical composition (long-chain wax esters in carnauba wax and short-chain fatty acids and hydrocarbons in beeswax and ozokerite wax, respectively) explained the differences in wetting, texture, melting, and crystallization characteristics. Crystal forms of these matrix systems varied from grainy, oval, to needle-like shape, but keeping an orthorhombic allomorph. The alignment and reorganization of beeswax and ozokerite wax into needle-like crystals increased the matrix strength and adhesion force compared to those of carnauba and candelilla matrixes, which showed weak strength and grainy morphology. The former two waxes and their matrixes also showed the largest plasticity. These lipidic matrixes show potential use for topical applications having acceptable antioxidant and textural properties.

No abstract

Background: In middle Magdalena of the Antioquia region, Colombia frog secretions have been used as antibacterial agents, the purpose of this study is to assess the antibacterial activity of six frog species secretions. Methods: the Kirby-Bauer and the microdilution methods were used to evaluate antibacterial activity of the frogs secretions against S. aureus and E. coli, using two positive controls, ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. Results: secretions of all six families showed inhibition zones, the concentration at which this zone was bigger was assayed later by the microdilution method and compared to ampicillin and ciprofloxacin. Only the secretion from the Phyllomedusidae exhibited a comparable effect to that one of control antibiotics. Conclusions: in here we provide evidence that secretions from local frogs have an antibacterial effect against two strains of bacteria, further studies are needed to identify the peptides in the secretions and a wider range of safe concentrations for human use.