Core-shell PLA-PVA porous microparticles as carriers for bacteriocin nisin.

This work is focused on preparation of novel porous type of core-shell-structured microparticles based on polylactide (shell) and poly(vinyl alcohol) cross-linked with glutaric acid (GA) (core) prepared by water-in-oil-in-water solvent evaporation technique. The microparticle systems were used as delivery systems for immobilisation of model antibacterial agent - nisin. The effect of cross-linking and the initial amount of nisin on their morphology was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, BET analysis, zeta potential measurement and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy. Encapsulation efficiency and release profile of nisin from the microparticles were studied by high performance liquid chromatography. Antibacterial activity of the prepared systems was tested by dilution and spread plate technique. Results showed the microparticles in the size range of 9-16 μm in diameter with spherical multi-hollow core-shell structure. The presence of cross-linking agent GA influences the release profile of the peptide and has synergistic effect on Listeria monocytogenes growth reduction.