Electrospun PVA/Chitosan Nanofibers Loaded with Garlic Extract for In Vitro Antiparasitic Activity Against Echinococcus Granulosus Protoscoleces

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a global health concern requiring novel treatments. This study developed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS) nanofibers loaded with Allium sativum (AS) extract, which contains allicin, a compound with antiparasitic properties. Electrospinning, a technique using high voltage to form nanofibers from a polymer solution, produced uniform, bead-free PVA/CS/AS nanofibers with an average diameter of 430.0 ± 1.4 nm. Characterization via GC-MS, SEM, FT-IR, and water contact angle measurements confirmed AS incorporation and revealed higher wettability than PVA/CS nanofibers, potentially enhancing biological interactions. In vitro, a 25 mg/ml AS extract concentration, selected based on prior antiparasitic studies, was tested against E. granulosus protoscoleces at 30, 60, and 90 min. PVA/CS/AS nanofibers markedly reduced viability, achieving mortality rates of 78.7%, 92.59%, and 98.38%, respectively, compared to 62.6%, 78.7%, and 93.7% for AS alone. These results suggest that PVA/CS/AS nanofibers enhance AS extract delivery and efficacy against the viability of E. granulosus protoscoleces. Further in vivo research is needed to evaluate their therapeutic potential.