Design and fabrication of gliadin-ethyl cellulose-adipic acid nanofibers containing cumin essential oil by electrospinning method and evaluation of its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the electrospinning of gliadin solution in presence of ethyl cellulose and adipic acid in different concentrations with considering physico-chemical changes. The system was used to load the cumin essential oil. Materials and methods: Initially, the electrospinning of gliadin solution was evaluated in ethanol-water solvents (20.80). Then, the effect of adding ethyl cellulose to solution was investigated. Subsequently, adipic acid was added to the gliadin and ethyl cellulose solution to strengthen the production system. Chemical interactions and thermal analysis were evaluated using FTIR and DSC. cumin essential oil was loaded in nanofibers. Discussion: SEM images showed that the fibers produced from 30% gliadin in 70% ethanol had ribbon-like beads and non-uniform shapes. With the addition of 15% ethyl cellulose, non-uniformity and ribbon-like beads were reduced. With the addition of 5% adipic acid, the spinnability of the protein-polysaccharide solution is significantly increased and the resulting fibers are more uniform. A solution of 30% gliadin and 15% ethyl cellulose with 5% adipic acid and 10% cumin essential oil was selected as the optimal system. The FTIR results confirm the formation of a hydrogen bond between adipic acid and polymers.

Based on the results of antioxidant activity, the produced nanofibers were able to delay the release of cumin essential oil and cause gradual release. Microbial tests also showed that the essential oil loaded on the nanofibers had a strong antimicrobial effect on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus flavus. Accordingly, the produced fibers have no toxic effect. Results: The gliadin-ethyl cellulose-adipic acid solution was successfully electrospinned and used as a suitable structure for loading cumin essential oil. This technique has been evaluated as a suitable and efficient method for drug delivery and gradual release of cumin essential oil and showed good potential for use in food packaging. Keywords: Gliadin, Ethyl cellulose, Electrospinning, Cumin essential oil, Adipic acid