Promising antibacterial activity of a mat of polycaprolactone nanofibers impregnated with a green nanogel

Skin is the body's first defense line against environmental pathogens. However, open skin wounds can interfere with the normal function of the skin and the entry of opportunistic bacteria into the body. Recently, the development of nano-dressing containing green antibiotics has been received much attention around the world. In this study, the essential oil of Citrus sinensis (CSEO) was used as an antibacterial agent. The ingredients of CSEO were identified by GC-MS analysis with five major components of Limonene (61.83%), trans-p-2, 8-Menthadien-1-ol (4.95%), Trans-Limonene oxide (2.29 %), Cis- Limonene oxide (2.58 %), and trans-Carveol (2.90%). Nanogel of CSEO was prepared by the addition of a gelling agent (carbomer 940 2%) to its optimum nanoemulsion with a particle size of 125 ± 4 nm. Also, electrospun nanofibers of polycaprolactone with a mean diameter of 186 ± 36 nm were prepared. Characterization of the nanofibers, including SEM, ATR-FTIR, and contact-angle measurement, were carried out. After that, the nanogel was impregnated on the surface of the nanofibers, NGelNFs. Interestingly, NGelNFs completely inhibited the growth (~ 0%) of four important human bacteria strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumonia. The prepared prototype, NGelNFs, can be used as a potent antibacterial agent. Furthermore, this work introduced an effective and new method for the preparation of green antibacterial agents as well as antibiotic-free wound dressings.