Nano-Microemulsions of CaCO(3)-Encapsulated Curcumin Ester Derivatives With High Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities and pH Sensitivity

In this study, we synthesized nano-microemulsions of calcium carbonate (CaCO(3))-encapsulated curcumin (Cur)-Ferulic acid (FA) ester derivatives of diverse mass ratios by using the solution casting approach. The structures, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, physical properties, and potential of hydrogen (pH) sensitivity of these products were examined. Compared with microparticles of CaCO(3), those of CaCO(3)@Cur-FA exhibited excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Response to pH was indicated through the release of Cur-FA from CaCO(3)@Cur-FA in solutions having different pH values. The results demonstrated that Cur-FA was released more quickly from CaCO(3)@Cur-FA at pH 5.5 than at pH 7.4. CaCO(3)@Cur-FA demonstrated good antioxidant capacities through its ability to scavenge 2,2′-amino-di(2-ethyl-benzothiazoline sulphonic acid-6)ammonium salt (ABTS(+)) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). These activities were three-fold more than those observed in CaCO(3) microparticle control groups; additionally, the antimicrobial activity against Aspergillus niger and Escherichia coli increased by 40.5 and 54.6%, respectively. Overall, the microparticles of CaCO(3)@Cur-FA outperformed Cur-FA in terms of antimicrobial properties by inhibiting the growth of certain zoonotic pathogens.