Flexible mats as promising antimicrobial systems via integration ofThymus capitatus(L.) essential oil into PLA

Aim:To develop electrospun mats loaded withThymus capitatus(L.) essential oil (ThymEO) and to study their morpho-mechanical and antimicrobial properties.Materials & methods:Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) mats containingThymEO were prepared by electrospinning. The effect ofThymEO on the morpho-mechanical properties of fibers was assayed by scanning electron microscopy and dynamometer measurements. The antimicrobial activity ofThymEO delivered either in liquid or vapor phase was assessed through killing curves and invert Petri dishes method. The cytotoxicity was also investigated.Results:The mechanical properties were enhanced by integratingThymEO into PLA. Both liquid and vapors ofThymEO released from mats caused reductions of microbial viable cells. Negligible cytotoxicity was demonstrated.Conclusion:PLA/ThymEO delivery systems could be suitable for treating microbial infections.