Piper regnellii extract biopolymer-based microparticles: production, characterization and antifungal activity

Aims: This study aims to improve characteristics of Piper regnellii extract to make it applicable in formulations to treat dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm. Methods and Results: Microparticles (MPs) were produced by spray drying with gelatin, alginate and chitosan as encapsulating agents; characterized by scanning electron microscopy, encapsulation efficiency, thermal analyses and X-ray diffraction; and tested against Trichophyton rubrum by broth microdilution. Produced MPs had a mean diameter less than 2 lm, an increase in stability and release of the extract and good results for encapsulation efficiency, being 85.6% to gelatin MP, 71.3% to chitosan MP and 60.6% to alginate. MPs preserved the antifungal activity of P. regnellii extract T. rubrum. Conclusion: Microencapsulation provided a significant improvement in the stability of the P. regnellii extract and better solubilization of chemical compounds, maintaining the antifungal effect against T. rubrum. Significance and Impact of the Study: These results are useful for developing a formulation to treat fungal infections caused by dermatophyte species.