Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for the delivery of natural molecules with antimicrobial activity: production, characterisation and in vitro studies

Abstract

This study describes the preparation, characterisation and in vitro activity of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) encapsulating natural molecules with antimicrobial activity, such as plumbagin, hydroquinon, eugenol, alpha-asarone and alpha-tocopherol. NLCs were prepared by melt and ultrasonication method, characterised by Cryo-TEM for morphology and SdFFF for dimensional distribution and active encapsulation yields. In vitro tests were conducted on bacteria, fungi and human cell cultures. In vitro tests demonstrated that plumbagin is strongly toxic towards F. oxysporum especially when active molecules are loaded on NLC. Plumbagin was completely non toxic on cyanobacterial model strain up to a threshold over which cell viability was completely lost. NLC loaded with active molecules showed a lower toxicity as compared to their free form on human cultured cells. Although further studies need to be performed, these systems can be potentially proposed to control phytopathogenic organisms.

Keywords:

• Nanoparticles
• nanotechnology
• formulation
• nanostructured lipid carriers

Acknowledgements

Authors are grateful to Dr. B. Grillini and Dr. G. Pavoni for technical issues. The authors thank the CAMERA DI COMMERCIO, INDUSTRIA, ARTIGIANATO E AGRICOLTURA (CCIAA) of Ferrara BANDO ANNO 2012 project for financial support.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The authors thank the CAMERA DI COMMERCIO, INDUSTRIA, ARTIGIANATO E AGRICOLTURA (CCIAA) of Ferrara BANDO ANNO 2012 project for financial support.