Fabrication of Electrospun Antibacterial Curcumin-loaded Zein Nanofibers

Abstract

Electrospinning was used to load curcumin (a natural compound that has antiinflammatory properties) into zein nanofibers. An emulsifier, Tween 80, was combined with curcumin in the zein nanofibers. The morphology of the curcumin-loaded zein nanofibers (CLZNFs) was observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. Investigation of curcumin released from the zein nanofibers into phosphate buffer saline at pH 7 indicated that the Tween 80 had increased the amount of curcumin released from the CLZNFs. The antibacterial activity of the CLZNFs against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was determined by measuring the optical density of bacterial solutions containing CLZNFs. The zein nanofibers fabricated with 10 wt% surfactant and 1.6 wt% curcumin showed high (i.e., 83%) efficiency in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus in the solution incubated for 21 h. These results suggest that the electrospun CLZNFs show potential application as antibacterial nonwoven mats.

Zein-based nano-delivery systems for encapsulation and protection of hydrophobic bioactives: A review

“…In addition, curcumin-loaded zein nanofibers exhibited excellent antibacterial activity, and the inhibition efficiency against food-borne pathogens increased with the increase of curcumin content (75)(76)(77)(78). In addition, curcumin-loaded nanofibril films prepared by dispersing electrospun zein into konjac and glucomannan solution exhibited better hydrophobicity, water resistance property and excellent antibacterial activity, which can be used as food packaging materials (38).…”

Electrospun Protein Nanofibers and Their Food Applications

“…Besides, encapsulation in electrospun zein NFs improved fish oil oxidative stability. Electrospun zein NFs were also used for curcumin encapsulation [71]. Curcumin (1.6 wt%) loaded zein NFs exhibited a potential to be used as an antibacterial non-woven mat owing to leading restricted growth of Staphylococcus aureus (83%).…”

Encapsulation of Bioactive Compound in Electrospun Fibers and Its Potential Application

“…126 Bui et al reported that nanofibers containing 1.6 wt % curcumin could efficiently inhibit growth of S. aureus (83%), suggesting their potential application as an antibacterial nonwoven mat. 127 Curcumin-loaded zein membrane was utilized for Fe 3+ sensing by naked-eye detection with an optical detection limit of 0.4 mg/L. 128 Recently, a study by Wang and co-workers demonstrated that the curcumin-loaded zein fibers possessed good antibacterial activity toward S. aureus and Escherichia coli, and the predominant release mechanism of curcumin from fibers was Fickian diffusion, suggesting their potential antimicrobial applications.…”

“…Brahatheeswaran and co-workers developed the smooth zein–curcumin fiber with a mean diameter of 310 nm and found that curcumin maintained its free radical scavenging activity and showed sustained release behavior . Bui et al reported that nanofibers containing 1.6 wt % curcumin could efficiently inhibit growth of S. aureus (83%), suggesting their potential application as an antibacterial nonwoven mat . Curcumin-loaded zein membrane was utilized for Fe 3+ sensing by naked-eye detection with an optical detection limit of 0.4 mg/L .…”