Exploring pectin and retrograded starch microparticles as carriers for pomegranate peel bio-input in the treatment of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> infections

Antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms are a pressing public health issue, particularly relevant to One Health studies. This research investigates the antimicrobial potential of a bio-input derived from pomegranate peels, incorporated into microparticles (MPs) of pectin and retrograded starch for oral administration to treat <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> infections. The MPs were analysed for bioactive compounds, <i>in vitro</i> antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, morphology, swelling, and erosion rates. Ellagic acid and punicalagins were identified in dry crude pomegranate peel extract (DCPPE) and MPs by HPLC. Solutions from MPs immersed in saline buffer (pH 7.4) for 24 h exhibited antimicrobial activity against <i>S. aureus</i> (&gt;16 mg/mL). The cell viability assay showed an IC₅₀ value over 1600 mg/mL, indicating no cytotoxicity. MPs had a spherical morphology with a circularity index of 0.900 ± 0.062 and an average diameter of 1270 mm ± 254.97. The results suggest that MPs are viable for oral DCPPE administration.