Work

Antibacterial Composites Based on Alginate/Egg White and ZnO Nanoparticles with the Addition of Essential Oils

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A series of hydrogels containing sodium alginate at different concentrations (2%, 3%, and 4%) and egg white were prepared through ionic cross-linking with calcium chloride (CaCl2) to obtain composite dressing materials. ZnO nanoparticles coated with eucalyptus or lavender essential oil were introduced into the hydrogel matrix to enhance antibacterial properties. The resulting hydrogels were freeze-dried to enhance mechanical properties, increase the porosity of the dressing, and facilitate further evaluations. A variety of analytical methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were employed to characterize the composites. The developed composites exhibited high porosity and a swelling degree exceeding 200% after 3 days. Additionally, water absorption capacity increased with higher alginate concentrations in the samples. Furthermore, they demonstrated significant antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli, with the samples containing 4% alginate showing the best results.

Source: Gels

DOI: 10.3390/gels11060459

Authors: Adrian-Ionuț Nicoară, Adelina Valentina Anton, Roxana Doina Trușcă, Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă, Cornelia-Ioana Ilie, Lia-Mara Dițu

Institutions: Universitatea Națională de Știință și Tehnologie Politehnica București, University of Bucharest

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534