Zein Nanoparticles Containing Arginine-Based Surfactants: Physicochemical Characterization and Effect on the Biological Properties

Abstract

Cationic surfactants carry antimicrobial activity, based on their interaction and disruption of cell membranes. Nonetheless, their intrinsic toxicity limits their applicability. To overcome this issue, a feasible strategy consists of using solid nanoparticles to improve their delivery. The zein nanoparticles were loaded with four cationic arginine-based surfactants: one single chain Nα-lauroyl-arginine (LAM) and three Gemini surfactants Nα Nω-Bis (Nα-lauroyl-arginine) α, ω—diamide) (C3(LA)2, C6(LA)2 and C9(LA)2). Blank and loaded zein nanoparticles were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity and zeta potential. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts and the hemolytic activity were investigated and compared to the surfactants in a solution. Nanoparticles were found to be monodisperse, presenting a size of between 180–341 nm, a pdI of <0.2 and a positive zeta potential of between +13 and +53 mV, remaining stable over 365 days. The nanoencapsulation maintained the antimicrobial activity as unaltered, while the extensive hemolytic activity found for the surfactants in a solution was reduced drastically. Nuclear Magnetic Ressonance (NMR), molecular docking and monolayer findings indicated that zein entraps the surfactants, interfering in the surfactant–membrane interactions. Accordingly, the nanoepcasulation of arginine surfactants improved their selectivity, while the cationic charges were free to attack and destroy bacteria and fungi; the aliphatic chains were not available to disrupt the cellular membranes.

Arginine Gemini-Based Surfactants for Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Applications: Molecular Interactions, Skin-Related Anti-Enzymatic Activity and Cytotoxicity

“…Due to this redissolution, the registered areas per molecule of gemini surfactants are smaller than expected. The results were similar to those reported in previous work [ 39 ].…”

“…At π = 20 mN/m, the maximum observed value is 80 mN/m, which corresponds to the compound C 6 (LA) 2 . This value is close to the elasticity values presented by the condensed monolayers [ 39 ]. The E values of the mixtures of these surfactants with DPPC are all around 40 m/mN, which is slightly lower than those of the surfactants alone.…”

“…Moreover, they are commonly associated with the most irritative category of surfactants. Recently, we have demonstrated that nanoencapsulation was a suitable strategy to reduce the hemolytic activity of these compounds, leaving the antimicrobial activities unaltered [ 39 ]. In view of these characteristics, in this work, the cytotoxicity of both free surfactants and surfactants loaded to zein nanoparticles was comparatively evaluated.…”

“…In view of these characteristics, in this work, the cytotoxicity of both free surfactants and surfactants loaded to zein nanoparticles was comparatively evaluated. The arginine-based nanoparticles were obtained and characterized according to our previously published paper [ 39 ].…”

Phenylalanine and Tryptophan-Based Surfactants as New Antibacterial Agents: Characterization, Self-Aggregation Properties, and DPPC/Surfactants Vesicles Formulation

“…Molecular docking studies were carried out to understand the observed antimicrobial activities of the prepared surfactants and to shed light on the binding modes between docked ligands and enzyme targets [ 69 , 70 , 71 ].…”