Desenvolvimento de filmes funcionais incorporando extrato de Acmella oleracea para fins cosméticos e antimicrobiano

Abstract

The demand for antiaging products increases every day, there is an incessant search for products that keep the skin young longer. As a result, companies are increasingly investing in anti-aging formulations. One of the most used products is botulinum toxin, but it has many side effects, so research for natural alternatives that have the same effect, paralyze the action of the muscles of the face, are increasing in number. Among these alternatives is the Acmella oleracea extract. This work aimed to develop films based on sodium alginate and chitosan incorporating A. oleracea extract and to compare the properties of these films. Three different types of film were produced with sodium alginate undergoing a crosslinking process in a Ca2+ ion crosslinker solution, sodium alginate films without going through a crosslinking process and chitosan films. The films were evaluated for their structure by SEM, thickness, moisture content, solubility, degree of swelling and antibacterial activity. The extract inhibited 100% the growth of all the bacteria used, presenting high antibacterial activity. Chitosan films were thinner. The crosslinked alginate films showed the best values of moisture content, solubility and degree of swelling. The crosslinked alginate film with high concentration of A. oleracea extract presented the best option to be produced both as an antimicrobial dressing, because it presented the best antimicrobial activity, and as an anti-aging adhesive.