Delivery of phytochemicals of tropical fruit by-products using poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity.

Nanoencapsulation offers great potential in natural compounds delivery as it protects them from degradation, improves their aqueous solubility, and delivers active compounds to the action site. Poly (dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles of acerola, guava, and passion fruit by-product extracts were synthesized using the emulsion-evaporation method. PLGA with different lactide to glycolide (50:50 and 65:35) ratios were used to determine how polymer composition affected nanoparticles properties and antimicrobial efficiency. Controlled release experiments showed an initial burst followed by a slower release rate for all encapsulated fruit by-products inside PLGA matrix. Nanoparticle properties were more dependent on by-product extract than on PLGA type. Fruit by-products and their nanoparticles were analyzed for antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes Scott A and Escherichia coli K12. All fruit by-products encapsulated in PLGA inhibited both bacteria at lower (P<0.05) concentration than corresponding unencapsulated fruit by-product. Both PLGA types improved fruit by-products delivery to pathogens and enhanced antimicrobial activity.