Keywords

antimicrobial, antimicrobial resistance, Isoborneol, nanoemulsion, Oil-in water nanoemulsion, isoborneol nanoemulsion, methyl salicylate nanoemulsion

Abstract

In the United States, about 35,000 fatalities occur annually due to antibiotic resistant infections. It is progressively becoming one of the largest challenges when treating hospital-acquired infections. This decline in effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics makes it essential to identify, synthesize, and formulate compounds that possess antimicrobial activity against these common pathogens. Isoborneol, a compound that is naturally occurring terpene that can be derived from the Camphor tree, Cinnamomum camphora, is known for its antimicrobial properties in traditional medicine and in prior literature. To assess this hypothesis, an oil-in-water (OW) nanoemulsion of isoborneol was synthesized, characterized, and assessed for its antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Escherichia coli. The nanoemulsion was tested with and without xanthan gum for use as a potential topical cream. For analysis of use as a topical ointment, in vitro cytotoxicity  was assessed using both macrophages and dermal cell lines (J774A.1 and HDF). Characterization of the nanoemulsion was analyzed through the use of dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to ensure the incorporation of the isoborneol into the emulsion, samples were analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry(GC-MS). Antimicrobial effectiveness was assessed through traditional means. Minimum inhibition concentration and Minimum bactericidal concentration assays were analyzed for all three bacterial lines.

Completion Date

2026

Semester

Spring

Committee Chair

Santra, Swadeshmukul

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Graduate Studies

Department

Nanotechnology

Format

PDF

Document Type

Thesis

Identifier

DP0053184

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