Fabrication and characterization of PCL/gelatin/curcumin nanofibers and their antibacterial properties

Phytochemicals have been used over the centuries in order to cure various diseases and still do to this day. Phytochemicals are herbal extracts that are also named herbal remedies. Curcumin (CUR), which is a natural polyphenolic compound derived from the roots of the plant Curcuma Longa, has many therapeutic properties. CUR has poor water solubility and instability that has confined its further applications, thus there is need for a carrier to deliver the drug consistently. In this research, the feasibility of using polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofibers as carriers for CUR is examined. Nanofibers are obtained by electrospinning method. The morphology of nanofibers was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry is used to study the thermal behavior of the nanofibers. Antibacterial tests were conducted against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended spectrum lactamase (ESBL). These pathogens are very dangerous and versatile pathogens emerging rapidly causing nosocomial infections in hospitals. The nanofibers were 99.9% antibacterial against MRSA and 82.56% against ESBL. The results showed that these nanofibers have potent antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. As a result, these nanofibers are very promising materials for antibacterial applications.