Antimicrobial Activity of Piper Nigrum and Cinnamomum Verum in PVA-Starch Hydrogel Matrix Membrane

Abstract

A series of preeminent poly vinyl alcohol (PVA)/starch hydrogel membranes was prepared with varying contents (0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 1.5g) of piper nigrum and cinnamomum verum by solution casting method. The comparison was made between the pure PVA/starch hydrogel and natural antimicrobial agents assembled hydrogel membrane matrix. Glutaraldehyde was added as a cross linker in ethanol/HCL dispersion to form acetal bridges. Glycerin was selected as a plasticizer to increase the ductility of hydrogel membranes. The concentration of natural antimicrobial agents incorporated in hydrogel has significant effect on the physical properties as compared to pure hydrogel, determined by swelling behavior, gel fraction, moisture retention and water vapor transmission rate. The prepared matrix was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation (FTIR). The tensile strength shown by incorporated membranes was 9.8 MPa which had sufficient strength to be used as a wound dressing. Antimicrobial activity was investigated against Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. Hydrogel membrane with 1.5g of natural antimicrobial agents showed highest inhibitory activity and further characterization had been performed on 1.5g assembled natural antibacterial agent’s membrane. It was further tested against fungus strains i.e., Aspergillus Flavus, Aspergillus Oryzae and Aspergillus Subolivaeus. The prepared membrane could be used as a wound dressing to provide a cushioning effect on the skin.