Preparation of new biocompatible polymeric nanofibers containing Daphne macronata extract and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity

Abstract

Background and Objective: Daphne mucronata is one of the species of Daphne genus in Iran that has unique biological properties and has been used as a medicinal plant for a long time. In this study, biocompatible polymer nanofibers by polyvinyl alcohol and Daphne macronata extract were prepared as a high-efficiency antimicrobial coating by electrospinning method, and its antimicrobial activity on three species of Gram-positive and two species of Gram-negative bacteria and one species of fungi were investigated.Experimental: In this study, a polymer solution with a weight/weight percentage of 12% polyvinyl alcohol polymer was prepared and 2 ml of plant extract was added to 10 ml of a polymer solution. To produce nanofibers, the optimum parameters of the electrospinning device including 17 kV voltage, injection rate 3 mL.h-1, tip needle to collector distance 7 cm, and collector speed 100 rpm were adjusted. Results: After preparing the polymer layer, the morphology and diameter of the nanofibers were determined with the scanning electron microscope, and the average diameter of the nanofibers produced under optimal conditions was 80 nm. Examination of the antimicrobial activity of this coating showed that the structure has a considerable antimicrobial activity on bacteria so that the greatest antimicrobial effect on Gram-positive bacterium was observed against Staphylococcus pyogenes with an inhibition zone diameter of 14 mm.Conclusion: As a result, this compound can be used as an antimicrobial coating in biology and medicine for packing or wound dressings.