Combined antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of electrospun PCL nanohybrids infused with metal-turmeric oleoresin and metal-curcuminoids

Abstract

The increasing risk of microbial infections and antimicrobial resistance requires the development of sustainable biomaterials with improved therapeutic properties for effective and environmentally friendly health and safety applications, leading to the exploration of advanced multifunctional nanomaterials. This study introduces a novel electrospun polymeric membrane that integrates a trimetallic nanohybrid composed of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) with curcuminoids derived from turmeric oleoresin. This combination is incorporated into a biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun mat. The synthesis and characterization of the nanohybrids were performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV diffuse reflectance spectrometry. The electrospun membranes incorporated with a trimetallic and curcuminoids nanohybrid demonstrated a synergistic antimicrobial effect, as evidenced by inhibition zones measuring between 29.67 ± 0.24 and 33.17 ± 0.24 mm against a wide range of bacterial and fungal strains. The primary antimicrobial mechanism is attributed to radical scavenging activity (RSA), which reached a maximum value of 76.14 ± 0.99% in the trimetallic and curcuminoids nanohybrid incorporated PCL mat. Furthermore, the curcuminoids displayed significant anti-inflammatory effects, achieving a maximum reduction of 72.81 ± 0.33% at a concentration of 5000 ppm. The electrospun membranes effectively reduce microbial growth, are biodegradable, non-toxic, pose minimal hazards, and are environmentally friendly, aligning with sustainable technologies for biomedical applications. These membranes function as physical and biological barriers, offering an eco-conscious, cost-effective alternative to conventional antimicrobial strategies. This research highlights the potential of trimetallic–curcuminoid nanohybrid electrospun membranes as sustainable biomaterials for advanced antimicrobial treatments, contributing to safer and more effective biomedical applications while ensuring biocompatibility and environmental safety. It exemplifies how innovative solutions can tackle health and sustainability challenges.