Fabrication of cinnamaldehyde-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofibers as a potential antibiofilm preventative approach against Escherichia coli

The bacterial biofilm formation plays an important role in antibiotic resistance. Therefore, a new approach to inhibit biofilm-related infections is essential. This study aimed to inhibit and disperse the biofilm formation of Escherichia coli by a naturally occurring flavonoid cinnamaldehyde. Precisely 2% cinnamaldehyde-loaded 12% polycaprolactone nanofibers were fabricated using electrospinning and were studied by SEM. The biofilm formation inhibition and dispersion activity of cinnamaldehyde-loaded PCL nanofibers were studied, and a cytotoxicity assessment of cinnamaldehyde against the HFF-1 cell line was conducted. Cinnamaldehyde at a sub-MIC level of 70 µg/mL and 150 µg/mL inhibited the biofilm formation by 65% and 100%. It could disperse the biofilm formation by 87% and 100%. No growth of bacterial cells was observed at 6 mg/mL disc of 2% cinnamaldehyde-loaded 12% PCL nanofibers, with 100% biofilm removal. However, all used cinnamaldehyde concentrations exhibited inhibitory effects on HFF-1 cells, indicating high toxicity to human cells. Therefore, it may be used on non-living surfaces as an antibacterial agent. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of cinnamaldehyde-loaded PCL nanofibers in inhibiting and dispersing E. coli biofilm formation. This approach may be useful in hindering nosocomial infections by covering surfaces and biomedical devices with cinnamaldehyde-loaded PCL nanofibers.