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Curcumin-modified nanofibers for visible-light-induced inactivation of foodborne pathogens and preventing biofilm
Ahmed El-Moghazy1, Nicharee Wisuthiphaet2, Nitin Nitin3
1Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside 92521, CA, USA; Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside 92521, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Visible or daylight-activated photoactive antimicrobial nanomaterials with food-grade photosensitizers and food-compatible polymers offer a promising approach for controlling microbial contamination and biofilm formation. In this study, we developed and systematically evaluated poly(vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) (PVA-co-PE) nanofibrous membranes functionalized with curcumin, a food-grade photosensitizer for antibacterial and antiviral activities, and the potential of these functionalized membranes for preventing biofilm formation. Three distinct strategies were employed for curcumin incorporation: physical encapsulation during electrospinning (CrNFM) and chemical conjugation via glutaraldehyde (Cr-g-NFM), or APTES/EDC chemistry (Cr-E-NFM). Among these, Cr-g-NFM exhibited the highest curcumin loading efficiency and superior reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under daylight exposure, which could be attributed to enhanced surface accessibility and reduced self-quenching effects and curcumin leaching out due to the weak interactions. The Cr-g-NFM demonstrated potent photodynamic inactivation of both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Listeria innocua, achieving >6-log reductions within 30-75 min upon exposure to daylight. It also showed robust antiviral activity, eliminating T7 bacteriophage by >6-log within 30 min. The curcumin-conjugated nanofiber membranes maintained their antimicrobial efficacy over multiple light exposure cycles, and the curcumin-modified membranes were durable after prolonged UV and sunlight exposure, indicating excellent reusability and photostability. Furthermore, Cr-g-NFM effectively prevented L. innocua biofilm formation over 72 h, highlighting its anti-biofouling potential. These results underscore the potential of curcumin-functionalized PVA-co-PE nanofibers as visible-light-activated antimicrobial and antibiofilm materials for food-contact surfaces and related applications.
