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Updated: Aug 20, 2025
Author Spotlight: An Antimicrobial Fabric Using Nano-Herbal Encapsulation of Essential Oils
Published on: April 7, 2023
Herbal Fennel Essential Oil Nanogel: Formulation, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity against Staphylococcus
Aftab Alam1, Ahmed I Foudah1, Mohammad Ayman Salkini1
1Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to humanity in the world. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread easily in communities and hospitals. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a serious human infectious agent with threatening broad-spectrum resistance to many commonly used antibiotics. To prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, alternative strategies based on nature have been developed. Essential oils (EOs) are derived from numerous plant parts and have been described as antibacterial agents against S. aureus. Fennel essential oils were selected as antibacterial agents encapsulated in nanoparticles of polylactic acid and glycolic acid (PLGA). The optimum size of the formulation after loading with the active ingredient was 123.19 ± 6.1595 nm with a zeta potential of 0.051 ± 0.002 (23 ± 1.15 mV). The results of the encapsulation efficiency analysis showed high encapsulation of EOs, i.e., 66.4 ± 3.127. To obtain promising carrier materials for the delivery of fennel EOs, they were incorporated in the form of nanogels. The newly developed fennel oils in PLGANPs nanogels have good drug release and MIC against S. aureus. These results indicate the potential of this novel delivery system for antimicrobial therapy.
Insights
Fennel essential oils encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles show promise as an alternative treatment against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This novel nanogel delivery system demonstrates effective antimicrobial activity and controlled release for potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, with antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus being a major concern.
- Conventional antibiotics are becoming less effective against resistant bacterial strains.
- Natural compounds, such as essential oils, are being explored as alternative antimicrobial strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate fennel essential oils encapsulated in polylactic acid and glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles as a novel delivery system.
- To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of the developed nanogel formulation against Staphylococcus aureus.
- To investigate the potential of this system for antimicrobial therapy.
Main Methods:
- Fennel essential oils were encapsulated within PLGA nanoparticles.
- Nanoparticle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency were characterized.
- The formulation was incorporated into nanogels for drug delivery.
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and drug release profiles were evaluated.
Main Results:
- The optimized PLGA nanoparticles loaded with fennel essential oils achieved a size of 123.19 ± 6.1595 nm and a zeta potential of 23 ± 1.15 mV.
- High encapsulation efficiency of 66.4 ± 3.127% was achieved for the essential oils.
- The developed nanogel formulation exhibited good drug release characteristics and significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (indicated by MIC).
Conclusions:
- Fennel essential oil-loaded PLGA nanogels represent a promising novel delivery system for combating antimicrobial resistance.
- This nanotechnology-based approach offers potential for developing effective alternative therapies against Staphylococcus aureus infections.
- Further research into this delivery system could lead to new strategies in antimicrobial treatment.
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