Myrtle-Functionalized Nanofibers Modulate Vaginal Cell Population Behavior While Counteracting Microbial Proliferation

Abstract

Vaginal infections affect millions of women annually worldwide. Therapeutic options are limited, moreover drug-resistance increases the need to find novel antimicrobials for health promotion. Recently phytochemicals were re-discovered for medical treatment. Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) plant extracts showed in vitro antioxidant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to their bioactive compounds. The aim of the present study was to create novel nanodevices to deliver three natural extracts from leaves, seeds and fruit of myrtle, in vaginal milieu. We explored their effect on human cells (HeLa, Human Foreskin Fibroblast-1 line, and stem cells isolated from skin), resident microflora (Lactobacillus acidophilus) and on several vaginal pathogens (Trichomonas vaginalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Candida kefyr, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei). Polycaprolactone-Gelatin nanofibers encapsulated with leaves extract and soaked with seed extracts exhibited a different capability in regard to counteracting microbial proliferation. Moreover, these nanodevices do not affect human cells and resident microflora viability. Results reveal that some of the tested nanofibers are interesting candidates for future vaginal infection treatments.

Bacteria trapping effectivity on nanofibre membrane in liquids is exponentially dependent on the surface density

“…The high density of the tiny pores and the ability to adjust their diameter also favour nanofibres for their application as highly effective liquid filters (Qin and Wang 2006;Sahto 2021;Zhou et al 2022). Whether for water monitoring (Markosian and Mirzoyan 2019; Mao et al 2020;Mao et al 2021;Khodayari et al 2021) or purification, pathogen detection, or the production of protective aids (such as masks and respirators), nanofibres are an inexpensive, easy-to-use, and highly effective alternative to the lengthy and expensive laboratory tests (Haider et al 2018;Bellu et al 2022).…”

“…Nanofibres with different surface densities are suitable for capturing various differentsized particles. Particles smaller than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) are dangerous for humans because their size allows them to diffuse into the bronchi and lungs (Eltzov et al 2011;Bellu et al 2022;East et al 2022). In addition to PM2.5 pollutants (Eltzov et al 2011;Kim et al 2018;Matulevicius et al 2016;Shuvo et al 2020;Deng et al 2021), pathogenic microorganisms and viruses also bring a significant human health risk.…”

“…Moreover, waterand air-borne bacteria (Legionella spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, etc.) contaminate the environment and without its monitoring, they can cause an epidemiological problem (Bellu et al 2022).…”

<strong><em></em></strong><em>Myrtus Communis </em>Leaves; Source of Bioactives, Traditional Use and Their Biological Properties

“…of Trichomonas vaginalis, the commonest non-viral sexually transmitted infection in women. Interestingly nanofiber either soaked or encapsulated with seed or leaf extract did not exert any effect on L. acidophilus (46). The use of these nanofibers as devices for the controlled release of molecules could be a promising choice to counteract Gram-positive microorganisms.…”

<em>Myrtus communis </em>Leaves: Source of Bioactives, Traditional Use and their Biological Properties

“…Similarly, two discs of nanofibers soaked in seed and leaf extracts decreased 95%viability of Trichomonas vaginalis, the commonest non-viral sexually transmitted infection in women. Interestingly nanofiber either soaked or encapsulated with seed or leaf extract did not exert any effect on L. acidophilus (46). The use of these nanofibers as devices for the controlled release of molecules could be a promising choice to counteract Gram-positive microorganisms.…”