STUDY ON THE ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF β CYCLODEXTRIN INCLUSION COMPLEXES WITH Citrus maxima PEEL ESSENTIAL OIL

Abstract

The potential of essential oil in post-harvest fruit preservation is well-recognized due to its inherent ability to inhibit microorganisms. However, its volatility poses challenges for prolonged effectiveness. To address this issue, the present study explores the synthesis of an encapsulation complex involving beta-cyclodextrin (β-CDs) and Citrus maxima peel essential oil (GEO) to enhance its sustained activity. GEO’s were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GEO's GC-MS investigation revealed the presence of 12 volatile compounds, with the following four being the essential oil's primary constituents: limonene (72.865 %), o-cymene (13.891 %), γ-terpinene (3.653 %) and α-pinene (2.980 %). The formation and characterization of the β-CDs/GEO complex were confirmed using FT-IR spectroscopy and molecular docking methods. The antimicrobial properties of the complex were evaluated against Echerichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) using the inhibitory zone diameter and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods, with MIC values of 40.0 mg/mL against Echerichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and 20.0 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213). Furthermore, the complex demonstrated antifungal efficacy by inhibiting the growth of Aspergillus oryzae and Mucor sp. over a 1 to 3-day period. These findings highlight the potential of β-CDs/GEO as natural antimicrobials and could be used as active food-packaging material.