Liposomal Pentabromophenol as a Dual-Functional Nanocarrier for Antibiofilm Activity and Postharvest Grapes Shelf-Life Enhancement.

Abstract

Microbial biofilms are highly resistant to conventional antibiotics, leading to persistent infection and rapid food spoilage. In this study, pentabromophenol (PBP) loaded liposomes were synthesized as a dual-functional nanocarrier for antibiofilm activity and postharvest grape preservation. The optimized formulation 3 showed lipid vesicles, strong colloidal stability, and a high encapsulation efficiency of 94%. Encapsulation significantly improved the antibiofilm activity of PBP against Staphylococcus aureus, achieving 86.9% inhibition at 0.1 µg/mL, which is fivefold higher than that of free PBP. A lipid-mixing assay confirmed concentration-dependent membrane fusion that facilitated sustained PBP release and efficient biofilm inhibition. When applied as a coating, PBP liposomes reduced microbial growth by more than 80%, maintained grape firmness, and minimized weight loss during 7 days of storage. Biocompatibility assays using Raphanus sativus and Caenorhabditis elegans demonstrated no potential toxicity. Overall, PBP liposomes offer a safe and efficient platform for controlling S. aureus and extending grape shelf life.