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Title: In vitro antimicrobial activity of solution blow spun poly(lactic acid)/ polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers loaded with Copaiba (Copaifera sp.) oil

Author
item BONAN, ROBERTA - Paraiba University
item SAMPAIO, FABVIO - Paraiba University
item ALBUQUERQUE, ALLAN J. - Paraiba University
item MORAES, MARIA C. - Paraiba University
item MATTOSO, LUIZ H. - Embrapa
item Glenn, Gregory - Greg
item MEDXEIROS, ELITON - Paraiba University
item OLIVEIRA, JULIANO - Paraiba University

Submitted to: Materials Science and Engineering: C
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/5/2014
Publication Date: 12/9/2014
Citation: Bonan, R.F., Sampaio, F.C., Albuquerque, A.R., Moraes, M.B., Mattoso, L.C., Glenn, G.M., Medxeiros, E.S., Oliveira, J.E. 2014. In vitro antimicrobial activity of solution blow spun poly(lactic acid)/ polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers loaded with Copaiba (Copaifera sp.) oil. Materials Science and Engineering: C. 48:372-377. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2014.12.021.

Interpretive Summary: Nanofibers of poly(lactic acid) have particular usefulness in medical applications either for wound dressing or tissue scaffolding. The use of nanofiber for the controlled release of drugs is a promising new field of research. Scientists from Brazil and ARS scientists from Albany, CA demonstrated that copaiba oil which has antimicrobial properties can be released slowly when encapsulated in nanofibers. The copaiba encapsulated fibers could be useful in combating bacterial infections.

Technical Abstract: In this study poly(lactic acid)(PLA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) micro and nanofibers mats loaded with copaiba (Copaifera sp.) oil were produced by solution blow spinning (SBS). The copaiba (Copaifera sp.) oil was characterized by gas chromatography (GC). Neat PLA and four PLA/ PVP blends containing 20% (wt%) oil were spun and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by studying the surface contact angle, in vitro release rate, and antimicrobial activity. All compositions evaluated were able to produce continuous and smooth fibers by SBS. The addition of PVP increased fiber diameter, and decreased the surface contact angle. GC analysis demonstrated that the main component of the copaiba oil was ß-caryophyllene, a known antimicrobial agent. In vitro release tests of copaiba oil volatiles demonstrated a higher release rate in fibers containing PVP. Fiber mats made from blends containing higher amounts of PVP had greater antimicrobial action against Staphylococcus aureus. The results confirm the potential of the fiber mats for use in controlled drug release and could lead to promising applications in the biomedical field.