Many types of bacteria are difficult to treat with antimicrobial compounds. This is either due to the issue of antibiotic resistance or because of the nature of the organism. Here some organisms form communities called biofilms, where the organisms secrete extracellular substances that resemble a “film” which some antimicrobials cannot readily penetrate.
With this process, bacterial cells secrete a polysaccharide termed glycocalyx (which is a hydrated polymeric slimy matrix). This subsequently allows the bacterium to encapsulate itself on the surface. When this happens with several organisms it leads to biofilm formation
One way around this is to slice out the infected tissue. This brings with it a range of risks. An alternative is to use so-called “essential oils” to counter act pathogens. Many such products are not clinically effective and there is no evidence based research to support the claims made.
In what could well represent a breakthrough, a research group have carried out trials using peppermint oil and cinnamaldehyde (the chemical that gives cinnamon its characteristic flavor and aroma) into nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are made from silica and resemble microcapsules.
Peppermint oil is antimicrobial because it contains methanol, menthone and menthyl esters. Peppermint oil is also used as a short-term treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. A further use is in plumbing to test for the tightness of pipes. Cinnamaldehyde is a pale yellow compound, extracted from bark.
In trial the microcapsules appeared effective against four different bacteria. In addition the nanotech compound helped to promote the growth of fibroblasts. These are cells that assist with wound healing. Fibroblasts are the most common cells of connective tissue found in people.
The findings have been published in the journal ACS Nano. The paper is headed “Nanoparticle-Stabilized Capsules for the Treatment of Bacterial Biofilms.”
