Biocomposites of Silk-Elastin and Essential Oil from Mentha piperita Display Antibacterial Activity.

ABSTRACT: In this study, novel antimicrobial biocomposite films comprising a genetically engineered silk-elastin protein polymer (SELP) and essential oil from Mentha piperita (MP_EO) have been fabricated and tested for the antibacterial performance. SELP/MP_EO biocomposite films were prepared by solvent casting using water as the solvent and aqueous emulsions of MP_EO at different concentrations. Emulsions of MP_EO were investigated, showing that the mixing method, relative amount of surfactant, and the presence of SELP influence particle size and homogeneity. The aqueous emulsions of SELP/MP_EO were characterized by a population of particles between 100 and 300 nm, depending on the MP_EO concentration. The emulsified oil droplets at

SUBMITTER: Gomes DS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8892480 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature