A short review on the antimicrobial micro- and nanoparticles loaded with Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil

• Published in: Journal of drug delivery science and technology Vol. 63; p. 102283
• Main Authors: Battisti, Mariana Alves, Caon, Thiago, Machado de Campos, Angela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2021
• Subjects: Antimicrobial activity; Melaleuca alternifolia; Microparticles; Nanoparticles; Tea tree oil; Nanoparticles; Antimicrobial activity; Tea tree oil; Microparticles; Melaleuca alternifolia
• ISSN: 1773-2247
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.102283

Although an antiviral, antibacterial, antimycobacterial and antifungal potential have been reported for the tea tree oil (TTO), low solubility, high volatility and oil oxidation may limit the formulation development step. In this context, micro- and nanoparticles could be considered to avoid these chemical instability problems. Furthermore, an improved efficacy could be found due to a greater surface area, which would increase the interactions between TTO and microorganisms. Overall, TTO may be incorporated into micro- or nanoparticles or may be included as a constituent of oily phase. Microparticles would be preferentially selected if a long-term or sustained drug release is required whereas nanoparticles are more advantageous in terms of cell internalization or effectiveness. TTO-based systems have also been combined with Ag nanoparticles to further enhance the antimicrobial efficacy through a synergistic action and to reduce or avoid microbial resistance problems. These combined systems have been particulary considered to avoid the formation of bacterial biofilms, which often include more resistant microorganisms. In view of the advantages that can be obtained with the reduction of the particle size, this review aimed to report the various nano- and microparticulate systems already considered as a vehicle for the TTO in order to guide new researches with this agent. [Display omitted]