Antimicrobial Activity of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Loaded Punica granatum Seed Oil against Staphylococcus epidermidis

Background: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), due to their impressive benefits, have recently been considered in different areas. Besides, NLC loaded with essential oils is attractive for finding more effective antimicrobial products, especially against common bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). Objective: This study aims to prepare and characterize NLCs encapsulated with Punica granatum (P. granatum) seed oil (PGS oil-loaded NLCs) and examine the antimicrobial effect of this combination against S. epidermidis. Methods: PGS oil-loaded NLCs were prepared using a hot melt homogenization method. Later, they were characterized by determining particle size distribution (particle size analyzer), morphology (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)), and zeta potential (surface charge of NLCs). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of PGS oil-loaded NLCs were assessed and compared with seed oil emulsion of .P. granatum. against S. epidermidis. Results: PGS oil-loaded NLCs were spherical shaped nanoparticles, with a mean size of 102.10 nm and narrow size distribution (PDI = 0.26). The antibacterial assay showed PGS oil-loaded NLCs to have a higher in vitro antimicrobial activity than seed oil emulsion of P. granatum. Conclusion: To conclude, NLCs may be a favorable carrier to develop new antimicrobial agents. Lay Summary: The lipid nanoparticles such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) appeared as products first on the cosmetic market. Their advantages help them to be used in different healthcare and cosmetic products. With regard to previous studies, Punica granatum (P. granatum) extract shows antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that could be a valuable natural source against the wide ranges of bacteria. Then, P. granatum seed oil (PGS oil-loaded NLCs) prepared in this study can be used in dental and skin-related materials as a new natural antimicrobial product.