Lipid-based nanostructures for the delivery of herbal antimicrobials

Abstract

Encapsulation has been proven to be a reliable strategy for the efficient delivery of and protection of plant-obtained antimicrobials against degradation, volatilization, or undesirable interactions. In this regard, lipid-based nanostructures, including lipid nanovesicles (liposomes), solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid nanocarriers (NLCs), have demonstrated great potential as delivery and controlled release systems for sensitive compounds derived from plants. These nanostructures have been studied as carriers for antimicrobial essential oils, plant extracts, and isolated antimicrobial phytochemicals. Although most studies are conducted using liposomes, there is a growing interest in the potential of SLNs and NLCs as antimicrobial nanocarriers due to their high stability and biocompatibility. Recent works have revealed that lipid-based formulations containing herbal antimicrobials are a promissory strategy for the control of microbial pathogens.