Optimization of <i>Achillea millefolium</i>‐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 (CS) nanocarriers for antibacterial and dye degradation applications, emphasizing the novelty of this approach. Different dilutions of A. millefolium were loaded into low-molecular (LM)- and high-molecular-weight-CS nanocarriers using the ionotropic gelation method. The synthesized drug-loaded CS nanocarriers were characterized using ultraviolet (UV)-visible (Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, Fourier-Transform Infrared, and high-performance liquid chromatography. The optimized nanocarriers were further analyzed for encapsulation efficiency (EE), antibacterial activity, and dye degradation capacity. The EE of the drug-loaded CS nanocarriers ranged from 15% to 100%. Notably, the LM-weight-CS-based nanocarriers demonstrated a significant dye degradation capacity, achieving an impressive 83% degradation rate for methylene orange (MO). Moreover, these nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited superior efficacy compared to un-immobilized counterparts. The A. millefolium-CS NPs also significantly enhanced the zone of inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrating strong antibacterial potential. These results underscore the enhanced ability of the CS NP formulation to inhibit microbial growth and effectively degrade dyes. The combination of A. millefolium and CS NPs 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.