Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Anti-Helicobacter Activity of Chitosan and Pectin Microparticles Containing Zataria multiflora Extract In Vitro

Abstract

Background and Objective: Helicobacter pylori infection is of widespread diseases in the world. The most common treatment for remediation of its symptoms is administration of antibiotics, which are not efficient enough in some patients and resulted in antibiotic resistance. Given the adverse effects arising from antibiotics in clinical studies, we aimed to fabricate chitosan- and pectin-based micro-particles containing Zataria multiflora extract for suppression of Helicobacter pylori in the laboratory. Materials and Methods: Chitosan and pectin micro-capsules alone and in combination with Zataria multiflora extract were prepared by spray dryer. The powders were further characterized by FT-IR, zeta sizer, and scanning electron microscope. Simulated gastric fluid was also prepared for evaluation of anti-Helicobacter potency of the samples. Results and Conclusion: Chitosan 1% w v-1 + 0.5 ml Zataria multiflora extract (CE0.5), pectin 1% w v-1 + 0.3 ml Zataria multiflora extract (PE0.3), and pectin 1% w v-1 (P1) could significantly suppress the bacteria under simulated gastric condition. The least survivability of Helicobacter pylori was 45.4% and achieved for CE0.5, followed by 45.70% and 46.6% for PE0.3 and P1, respectively. Electrostatic charge of the biopolymers and phenol compounds of the extract greatly affected the integrity of bacterial cell wall. According to FT-IR spectra, Zataria multiflora extract was physically entrapped in chitosan and pectin layers, which helped its better antimicrobial activity in vitro. Regarding the significant anti-Helicobacter activity of our selected formula, they would be considered as complementary treatment for antibiotics in eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. Although further in vivo experiments are required to validate the current findings. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Keywords

• ▪ chitosan ▪ helicobacter pylori ▪ pectin ▪ simulated stomach ▪ zataria multiflora