Optimization of Achillea millefolium-Infused Chitosan Nanocarriers for Antibacterial and Dye Degradation Applications

The demand for plant-based nanocarriers and nanodrugs is increasing due to their versatile nature and compatibility. This research focuses on the optimization of Achillea millefolium-infused chitosan nanocarriers for antibacterial and dye degradation applications, emphasizing the novelty of this approach. Different dilutions of Achillea millefolium (A. millefolium) were loaded into low and high-molecular-weight chitosan nanocarriers using the ionotropic gelation method. The synthesized drug-loaded chitosan nanocarriers were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, DLS, FTIR, and HPLC. The optimized nanocarriers were further analyzed for encapsulation efficiency, antibacterial activity, and dye degradation capacity. The encapsulation efficiency of the drug-loaded chitosan nanocarriers ranged from 15% to 100%. Notably, the low molecular weight chitosan-based nanocarriers demonstrated a significant dye degradation capacity, achieving an impressive 83% degradation rate for Methylene Orange (MO). Moreover, these nanoparticles exhibited superior efficacy compared to un-immobilized counterparts. The A. millefolium -chitosan nanoparticles also significantly enhanced the zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating strong antibacterial potential. The combination of A. millefolium and chitosan nanoparticles showcases potential for innovative therapeutic applications, particularly in wastewater treatment and antimicrobial therapies. This study provides novel insights into the development of effective plant-based nanocarriers, paving the way for future research in this field.