Development of natural polymeric microcapsules for antimicrobial drug delivery: triclosan loaded chitosan and alginate-based microcapsules

Abstract

The goal of this work was the development of natural polymeric microcapsules for antimicrobial drug delivery – triclosan loaded alginate and chitosan-based microcapsules for potential coating applications in substrates such as textiles or plastics. Microcapsules containing 2.5% (w/w) or 3% (w/w) triclosan in both core and matrix were synthesized and evaluated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and antimicrobial activity. The microcapsules produced featured spherical and mostly irregularly-shaped surfaces composed by an alginate core in a chitosan outer matrix, as revealed by confocal microscopy, and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli with inhibition halos up to 60 mm and 25 mm respectively, granted by a triclosan loading of 61.66%. The thermal analysis suggested that the polymers protected the active substance from temperature-induced degradation. In conclusion, these microcapsules may be applied toward antimicrobial functionalization of plastics, textiles and other materials.

Keywords:

• Biopolymers
• microparticles
• antibacterial
• chitosan
• sodium alginate
• triclosan

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank FAPESP for the scholarship provided (grant #2015/08845-5, São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP)), we are thankful for the financial support. We would also like to thank Dr. Kelliton Francisco and Dr. Lucas Freitas de Freitas for their kind contribution to the work. ()

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) under Grant # 2015/08845-5