Alginate-pectin microparticles embedding self-assembling antimicrobial peptides and resveratrol for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory applications

Abstract

Integrating antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) into alginate-pectin-based microstructured delivery systems enhances the controlled release and stability of bioactive like resveratrol. This study examines spray-dried microparticles utilizing alginate and pectin as primary carbohydrate polymers combined with aggregated AMPs for dual antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. The AMP was self-assembled into nanostructures upon interaction with alginate and pectin, which were subsequently incorporated into spray-dried microparticles, resulting in a stable delivery system. In silico modeling and in vitro release studies under simulated gastrointestinal conditions showed that AMP-containing microparticles provided a slower, sustained resveratrol release than peptide-free systems. The Weibull model best described the release, indicating a multi-phase behavior driven by diffusion and erosion. In gastric simulated conditions, the alginate-pectin matrices with AMP improved structural integrity, reducing release, while in intestinal ones, partial erosion enabled controlled release. In vivo infection studies using Galleria mellonella demonstrated significant reductions in inflammation and bacterial load 48 h post-infection. These results suggest that alginate-pectin microparticles with aggregated AMPs enhance the antioxidant release and maintain antimicrobial activity, making them promising for gastrointestinal applications. According to these promising findings, the next step studies will aim to enhance site-specific therapeutic performance through formulation refinement and targeted delivery strategies.