Supplementary Files
Keywords
Nanoemulsion
Zinc Oxide
Antibacterial
Response Surface Methodology
How to Cite
Abstract
This study investigated the synthesis and characterization of peppermint essential oil-based nanoemulsions (PO-NE) incorporated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for improving the antibacterial applications, in a way to address the global challenges of antibiotic resistance issues. Nanoemulsions (NE) offered a promising strategy to enhance ZnO NP stability and targeted delivery. In this study, the synthesis parameters of PO-NE incorporated ZnO NO were optimized, by manipulating the surfactant and water ratios using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and One-Factor-At-a-Time (OFAT) approaches. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to validate the functional groups in the molecular structure, while particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were determined by using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The thermal property of the optimized ZnO/PO-NE was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), alongside the stability and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). It was found that the optimized ZnO/PO-NE exhibited small particle sizes (280.633 ± 14.791 nm), a moderate PDI (0.537 ± 0.102), a high zeta potential (-17.100 ± 0.700 mV), and possessed an enhanced thermal stability. The antibacterial activity (6.3 ± 0.0 mm against E. coli, 6.0 ± 0.0 mm against S. aureus) suggested a controlled release behaviour, which has a high potential for further development. This work significantly contributes to SDG 3, promoting Good Health and Well-being.
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