The use of nanoparticles in the formulation of essential oils

Nanotechnology is the ability to control the properties of matter at the atomic and molecular scales. Modern medicine and pharmacy have been affected by this technology. Most researches in this area focused on the encapsulation of active pharmaceutical ingredients especially cytotoxic drugs. Essential oils are compounds that have therapeutic, hygienic and cosmetic applications. These are complex mixture of volatile aromatic and aliphatic molecules. The use of essential oils, as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-parasitic and anti-insect agents has a history as old as human history. Nowadays, nanotechnology helps eliminate defects and improve the solubility and reduce the volatility of essential oils. The aim of the current study was to investigate encapsulation of essential oils by various types of nanotechnology and nanoparticles to improve their efficacy and stability.
In the present study, data collection (with different keywords of known nanoparticles including solid lipid nanoparticles, liposome, emulsion, cyclodextrin, magnetic nanoparticles) was undertaken on electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Magiran, Irandoc, IranMedex and Scientific Information Database.
Due to the physical nature of essential oils, two types of nanocarriers are more applicable. The first group is lipid carriers such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, lipid nano-emulsions and microemulsions. The second category includes polymeric nanoparticles that have improved the antimicrobial activity of essential oils. Cyclodextrin and magnetic nanoparticles are mentioned in the end.
Nanotechnology and use of nanoparticles, increased chemical stability of essential oils. In addition, reduced toxicity and adverse effects have been achieved.