journal article·2025-11-04Open access

A Novel Chitosan Hydrochloride–Biosurfactant–Grape Seed Oil Nanoemulsion to Control Dental Carie: Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm Activity and Irritation Potential

Thayza Christina Montenegro Stamford, Antônio Vinicius Pinho Sa, Lúcia Raquel Ramos Berger, Isabella Teodora de Freitas Pontes Macedo, Francisco Humberto Xavier-Júnior, Raquel D. Rufino, Leonie A. Sarubbo, Mayri Alejandra Diaz de Rienzo

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 21

Abstract

Biomolecules of microbial origin are gaining attention for their use in various industries, including cosmetics, due to their broad bioactivities, peculiar properties, and sustainability. This study aimed to develop a novel, eco-friendly nanoemulsion from fungal chitosan hydrochloride (ChC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa biosurfactant (PaB), and grape seed oil (GSO), and to assess its antimicrobial action, biofilm control, and biocompatibility. High-energy emulsification was performed to produce the nanoemulsion (CCh-PaB-GSO), which was characterized by FTIR. Its stability was monitored for 30 days via DLS, zeta potential (ZP), and PDI. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for cariogenic Streptococcus species, inhibitory fraction concentration (FIC), influence on exopolysaccharide (EPS) quantification produced by bacteria, bacteria’s cell wall hydrophobicity, and biofilm control were determined. Biocompatibility was assessed using the HET-CAM technique by determining the irritation potential. FTIR analysis confirmed the formation the interaction between the substances that compound the nanoemulsion. The CCh-PaB-GSO had nanometric micelles (169.5–203.4 nm), PDI (0.241–0.271), and a positive ZP (+20.25 to +31.94 mV). It showed a consistent MIC (2.0 mg/mL CCh, 0.1 mg/mL PaB, and 3.2 mg/mL GSO) for all tested Streptococcus species and an indifferent interaction effect, FIC (1.32). At sub-MIC, the CCh-PaB-GSO effectively reduced EPS and microbial cell wall hydrophobicity, inhibiting biofilm adhesion. The CCh-PaB-GSO demonstrated biocompatibility with no signs of irritation. In conclusion, the ChC-PaB-GSO system forms an effective and stable nanoemulsion with potential for application as an eco-sustainable and biocompatible product for caries control.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Oral microbiology and periodontitis research · Advanced Drug Delivery Systems · Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia (PPGBiotec) da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Artur de Sá, s/n, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50740-525, Pernambuco, Brazil

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição (PPGN), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rêgo, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil

Laboratório de Microbiologia Aplicada-LaMAp, Centro de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. Professor Morais Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife 50670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil

Engineering and Enviroment. School of Science, University of Salford, Peel Building, Manchester M5 4WT, UK

Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), Cidade Universitária, Campus I, Castelo Branco III., João Pessoa 58051-900, Paraiba, Brazil

Escola de Saúde e Ciências da Vida, Universidade Católica de Pernambuco (UNICAP), Rua do Príncipe, n. 526, Boa Vista, Recife 50050-900, Pernambuco, Brazil

Instituto Avançado de Tecnologia e Inovação (IATI), Rua Potyra, n. 31, Prado, Recife 50070-280, Pernambuco, Brazil

Escola de Tecnologia e Comunicação, Universidade Católica de Pernambuco (UNICAP), Rua do Príncipe, n. 526, Boa Vista, Recife 50050-900, Pernambuco, Brazil

Funding

Fundação de Apoio à Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco · Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico · Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior · Sandwich PhD scholarship

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