Microfluidic preparation of antimicrobial microparticles composed of L-lactide/1,3-dioxolane (co)polymers loaded with quercetin

The resistance of microorganisms against commonly used antibiotics is becoming an increasingly important problem in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the development of novel bactericidal agents, as well as the design of drug delivery systems based on materials composed of biocompatible and biodegradable building blocks, has attracted increasing attention. To address this challenge, microparticles composed of L- lactide homopolymer and L-lactide/1,3-dioxolane (co)polymers loaded with quercetin (Q) were fabricated by using a microfluidic technique. This method enables the preparation of homogeneous particles with sizes ranging from 60 to 80 mu m, composed of degradable semicrystalline or amorphous (co)polyesters. The microencapsulation of Q in a (co)polymeric matrix enables prolonged release of the antimicrobial agent. The antibacterial properties of the obtained biocompatible microparticles are confirmed by the agar diffusion plate method for various bacterial strains. Therefore, Q-loaded microparticles can have important applications in food preservation as a novel antimicrobial system.

Automated summary

The resistance of microorganisms against antibiotics is an increasingly important problem in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, there is growing interest in developing novel bactericidal agents and drug delivery systems based on biocompatible and biodegradable materials. Microparticles loaded with quercetin were fabricated using a microfluidic technique, allowing for prolonged release of the antimicrobial agent. These Q-loaded microparticles show antibacterial properties and can be applied in food preservation.