Linalool Nanoemulsion Preparation, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity against Aeromonas hydrophila

Aeromonas hydrophila is one of the most important aquatic pathogens causing huge economic losses to aquaculture. Linalool, a vital ingredient of a variety of essential oils, was proved as a good antimicrobial agent in our previous studies. However, the low solubility and volatility of Linalool obstruct its application in the field of aquatic drugs. Thus, in this study, Linalool nano-emulsion (LN) was prepared to solve these obstructions. We investigated the physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, and mode of action of LN against A. hydrophila. LN with different medium chain triglycerides (MCT) concentrations were prepared by ultrasonic method. The results showed that the emulsion droplet size of LN was the smallest when MCT was not added to the formulation. Nano-emulsions are usually less than 500 nm in diameter. In our study, LN in this formulation were spherical droplet with a diameter of 126.57 ± 0.85 nm and showed good stability. LN showed strong antibacterial activity, the MIC and MBC values were 0.3125% v/v and 0.625% v/v, respectively. The bacterial population decreased substantially at 1 × MIC of LN. LN exhibited disruptive effect on cell membranes by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The present study provided a formulation of Linalool nano-emulsion preparation. Moreover, the good antibacterial activity of LN showed in our study will promote the application of Linalool for the control and prevention of A. hydrophila in aquaculture.