Magnetite Nanoparticles and Essential Oils Systems for Advanced Antibacterial Therapies

Abstract

Essential oils (EOs) have attracted considerable interest in the past few years, with increasing evidence of their antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and insecticidal effects. However, as they are highly volatile, the administration of EOs to achieve the desired effects is challenging. Therefore, nanotechnology-based strategies for developing nanoscaled carriers for their efficient delivery might offer potential solutions. Owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, ability to target a tissue specifically, and primary structures that allow for the attachment of various therapeutics, magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) are an example of such nanocarriers that could be used for the efficient delivery of EOs for antimicrobial therapies. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the use of EOs as antibacterial agents when coupled with magnetite nanoparticles (NPs), emphasizing the synthesis, properties and functionalization of such NPs to enhance their efficiency. In this manner, systems comprising EOs and MNPs could offer potential solutions that could overcome the challenges associated with biofilm formation on prosthetic devices and antibiotic-resistant bacteria by ensuring a controlled and sustained release of the antibacterial agents.

Iron Oxide–Silica Core–Shell Nanoparticles Functionalized with Essential Oils for Antimicrobial Therapies

“…Increasing scientific interest has focused on EOs, which are secondary plant metabolites consisting of complex mixtures of odoriferous and volatile organic components produced by different plant parts, including flowers, peels, seeds, leaves, buds, twigs, roots, or fruits [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Since early times, EOs have been widely used in numerous medical applications, including cosmetics, dermatology, aromatherapy, and self-care medical products, or for food preservation purposes [ 19 , 21 ]. Currently, they are widely found in commercial applications, such as medicines, and there are many clinical trials performed [ 23 ].…”

“…Currently, they are widely found in commercial applications, such as medicines, and there are many clinical trials performed [ 23 ]. There are many research studies demonstrating their biological benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic), analgesic, sedative, and wound healing [ 19 , 20 , 21 ]. With regard to the current antimicrobial resistance crisis, EOs have proven their efficiency by targeting microbial cell walls or membranes, cellular respiration processes, or quorum sensing mechanisms [ 19 , 24 ].…”

MAPLE Coatings Embedded with Essential Oil-Conjugated Magnetite for Anti-Biofilm Applications

“…Besides facile and significant yield synthesis, Fe 3 O 4 particles possess peculiar nanosize-related features, such as surface functionalization, tunable biocompatibility and superparamagnetic behavior [ 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 ]. The surface modification of magnetite nanoparticles with essential oils represents a bidirectional strategy to obtain multifunctional platforms: (i) firstly, the organic molecules act as modulators for the compatibility and stability of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles; and (ii) secondly, the inorganic core acts as a stabilizer and potentiating agent for the essential oils [ 71 , 72 ]. By combining these benefits, new and effective therapeutic nanosystems can be provided, with the additional ability of targeted and controlled treatment.…”

Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composite Films for Antimicrobial Therapies

“…Since their behavior is strongly dependent upon their size, shape, structure, surface chemistry, and colloidal stability, the choice of synthesis method is highly important. There are three main routes for Fe 3 O 4 NPs synthesis, namely, physical, chemical, and biological techniques, but the most commonly applied method is chemical co-precipitation [ 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 ]. Nonetheless, researchers are currently focusing on green synthesis methods, as the so-obtained NPs are less toxic, more stable, and have reduced sizes and agglomeration tendency [ 137 ].…”