Nanodelivery of essential oils as efficient tools against antimicrobial resistance: a review of the type and physical-chemical properties of the delivery systems and applications

Abstract

This review provides a synthesis of the last ten years of research on nanodelivery systems used for the delivery of essential oils (EOs), as well as their potential as a viable alternative to antibiotics in human and veterinary therapy. The use of essential oils alone in therapy is not always possible due to several limitations but nanodelivery systems seem to be able to overcome these issues. The choice of the essential oil, as well as the choice of the nanodelivery system influences the therapeutic efficacy obtained. While several studies on the characterization of EOs exist, this review assesses the characteristics of the nanomaterials used for the delivery of essential oils, as well as impact on the functionality of nanodelivered essential oils, and successful applications. Two classes of delivery systems stand out: polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) including chitosan, cellulose, zein, sodium alginate, and poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA), and lipidic NPs including nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid NPs, nanoemulsions, liposomes, and niosomes. While the advantages and disadvantages of these delivery systems and information on stability, release, and efficacy of the nanodelivered EOs are covered in the literature as presented in this review, essential information, such as the speed of emergence of a potential bacteria resistance to these new systems, or dosages for each type of infection and for each animal species or humans is still missing today. Therefore, more quantitative and in vivo studies should be conducted before the adoption of EOs loaded NPs as an alternative to antibiotics, where appropriate.

Preparation, Characterization, In Vitro Release, and Antibacterial Activity of Oregano Essential Oil Chitosan Nanoparticles

“…Rapid dissolution of the initial burst could have caused the instant burst of molecules of essential oil molecules adsorbed to the surface of the polymer [ 35 ]. Studies suggest that polymer degradation is the primary mechanism by which CSNPs release essential oils into the external environment [ 45 ]. The slower release phase is caused by the diffusion of encapsulated essential oil molecules from the nanoparticle core to the dissolution medium through interconnected pores and channels in the polymer matrix.…”

Formulation of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) oil loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and evaluation of its antibacterial activity against Multi-drug Resistant Escherichia coli

“…In this study, CO-SLNs were prepared in order to improve its physicochemical and antimicrobial properties. Several investigations have confirmed the positive influence of lipid carriers on increasing the antimicrobial effectiveness of herbal oils [24][25][26]. Also, various cinnamon oil loaded nano delivery systems have been developed including Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) [27], alginate-calcium nano/micro particle [28], chitosan nanoparticles [29], etc.).…”

Recent development in the preservation effect of lactic acid bacteria and essential oils on chicken and seafood products

“…Natural plant extracts are used in the food industry as alternative preservatives. It is possible to prevent or delay some chemical spoilage that occurs during food storage with the use of 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1092248 small amounts of EOs that are potential antioxidants due to their radical scavenging activities (Dupuis et al, 2022). Mariotti et al (2022) confirmed the importance of evaluating natural products to consolidate the idea of safe EO applications in reducing and preventing intensive livestock infections.…”