ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF CHITOSAN-VITAMIN E-NANOEMULSION

Chitosan is considered one of the most abundant polysaccharide in the world. Therefore, it has several applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, the structure of chitosan may limit its solubility and bioavailability. The current study aimed to improve the physicochemical properties of chitosan by combining it with vitamin E nanoemulsion (CH-NE-vitE). The structural, thermal stability, and physical differences between chitosan and its new derivative were analyzed using the scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Furthermore, the antimicrobial activities of CH-NE-vitE against Staphylococcus aureus, Candida krusei and Enterobacter hormaechei were examined using disc and well diffusion methods in addition to the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The morphology changes in the treated microbes were visualized using the SEM. The characterization of CH-NE-vitE exhibited noticeable changes in the chitosan physical properties and chemical structure including increased solubility, interaction rates, and stability. The new derivative has inhibited the growth of both S. aureus, and C. krusei while promoting the growth of E. hormaechei. The minimum inhibitory concentrations against the S. aureus, and C. krusei were 1.563 mg/mL and 3.125 mg/mL, respectively. The produced CH-NE-vitE can be used in drug delivery, dermal products, and food packaging.