Extracts obtained from plants have significantly contributed to the creation of new drugs due to their medicinal properties, which are provided by the presence of bioactive components. This has led to a growing interest from the pharmaceutical industry in using this type of extract for the creation of increasingly advanced medications. The main components sought are antibacterial agents from sustainable and renewable sources, whether of animal or vegetable origin or derived from other natural components. Tissues become a source of microbial proliferation, especially when in contact with the human body, which can cause serious diseases. In line with this, the goal of this research was to create an antibacterial Melon-de-São-Caetano (Momordica charantia) leaf microemulsion for application on material surfaces. This microemulsified system is an effective alternative for solubilizing functional agents, and being thermodynamically stable, it is efficient for long-term use. For this study, an extract of Momordica charantia leaves (EMC) was obtained, and microemulsions with different EMC concentrations (P1, P2, and P3) were produced. The extract and microemulsions were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, particle size, zeta potential, thermal stress, pH, electrical conductivity, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and antibacterial analysis (Staphylococcus aureus). In summary, the proposed objective was met, and EMC, SME, and the P2 and P3 microemulsions showed positive results against S. aureus, with the P3 microemulsified system being the most effective with a 12.5 mm inhibition halo. Therefore, the product developed in this research has the potential for application on surfaces, providing antibacterial action.
Keywords: Momordica charantia; antibacterial; functionalization; microemulsion.