Antibacterial, thermal decomposition and in vitro time release studies of chloramphenicol from novel PLA and PVA nanofiber mats

Highlights: • Three new calixarene and their inclusion complexes were synthesized. • PLA and/or PVA nanofiber mats containing complexes were prepared. • Antibacterial properties of fiber mats were evaluated by disc diffusion method. • Thermal decomposition and time release studies were performed. The present investigation is the first report containing design and synthesis of novel calixarene derivatives (6–8) and their inclusion complexes (IC6–IC8) with Chloramphenicol (CAM). After synthesis, the antibiotic CAM, calixarene derivatives (6–8) and their inclusion complexes (IC6–IC8) were successfully incorporated into biodegradable PVA and/or PLA nanofiber skeleton by electrospinning. The obtained electrospun nanofibers were tested and compared for inhibition of bacterial growth towards multiple bacterial species (Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis). Moreover, we evaluated thermal decomposition and release profile of CAM by spectrophotometric methods. The results suggested that CAM can be successfully encapsulated in nanofiber webs by inclusion complexation, and these fibers could be used as a part of new controlled release packaging system for food preservation.