Potential of Cell-Free Fermentation Supernatant from Yellow Passion Fruit Microspheres as a Novel Antibacterial Agent Against Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms

In the face of rising multidrug resistance organism (MDRO), the search for effective antibacterial agents is paramount. This study investigates the potential of encapsulated cell-free fermentation supernatant (CFFS) from yellow passion fruit as a novel antibacterial agent. Two formulas with a variation of 2.5% alginate-gelatin polymer were encapsulated using aerosolization technique. All formulations showed uniform spherical microparticles and were distributed without agglomeration. All formulas showed that there was no significant difference between the formulas and all quality attributes. From the evaluation results, brown microspheres were obtained with particle sizes between 42 - 58 μm, and %MC 2-4. Microspheres also showed a good swelling index. Formula 2 showed a denser and more rigid microsphere surface with observation using SEM at 5000x magnification. This is supported by the FTIR results where in formulas 1 & 2 a biopolymer network has occurred between alginate and gelatin. Microspheres have a larger inhibition zone against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) than Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli of 14 mm and 13.5 mm, respectively. This condition is associated with a more complex inhibition mechanism in ESBL Escherichia coli. However, compared with CFSS and fresh juice of passion fruit, the antibacterial activity against MDROs like MRSA and ESBL Escherichia coli are decreased. This phenomenon is caused by the decrease in cell viability during the encapsulation process to 106 CFU/ml. Therefore, cell free fermentation supernatant microspheres from yellow fruit can be a good and potential antibacterial agent in inhibiting the growth of multidrug resistance organisms.