Core–shell PLA–PVA porous microparticles as carriers for bacteriocin nisin

Abstract

This work is focused on preparation of novel porous type of core–shell-structured microparticles based on polylactide (shell) and poly(vinyl alcohol) cross-linked with glutaric acid (GA) (core) prepared by water-in-oil-in-water solvent evaporation technique. The microparticle systems were used as delivery systems for immobilisation of model antibacterial agent – nisin. The effect of cross-linking and the initial amount of nisin on their morphology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, BET analysis, zeta potential measurement and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. Encapsulation efficiency and release profile of nisin from the microparticles were studied by high performance liquid chromatography. Antibacterial activity of the prepared systems was tested by dilution and spread plate technique. Results showed the microparticles in the size range of 9–16 μm in diameter with spherical multi-hollow core–shell structure. The presence of cross-linking agent GA influences the release profile of the peptide and has synergistic effect on Listeria monocytogenes growth reduction.

Keywords:

• Microparticles
• nisin
• poly(vinyl alcohol)
• polylactic acid
• antibacterial activity
• core–shell

Acknowledgements

The work was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic (Project No. QJ1310254), the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (Projects No. LO1504 and CZ.1.05/2.1.00/19.0409) and Internal Grant Agency of the Tomas Bata University in Zlin (Project No. IGA/CPS/2017/005).

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The work was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic (Project No. QJ1310254), the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (Projects No. LO1504 and CZ.1.05/2.1.00/19.0409) and Internal Grant Agency of the Tomas Bata University in Zlin (Project No. IGA/CPS/2017/005).