Antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles loaded oregano oil nano-emulsion for topical treatment of mucocutaneous candidiasis

Abstract

Oregano essential oil (OEO) possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, and preservative properties, making it a promising candidate for various biotechnological and biomedical applications. However, the inherent volatility, hydrophobicity, and susceptibility to external factors such as light, heat, and oxygen can compromise its stability and bioactivity. To overcome these limitations, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were incorporated into an oregano oil nanoemulsion, enhancing both its antimicrobial efficacy and mechanical properties. Chronic Mucocutaneous candidiasis, often associated with recurrent unexplained fungal infections, is characterized by inherited T-cell defects and typically requires prolonged antifungal treatment. The approved oral imidazole derivative, ketoconazole, is commonly used for the treatment of candidiasis, chronic Mucocutaneous candidiasis, and oral thrush. However, non-compliance, therapy failure, and systemic side effects have been reported with prolonged use of ketoconazole. In this study, we developed a silver nanoparticle-loaded oregano oil nanoemulsion as a potential alternative. Our results demonstrated that the prepared nanoemulsion exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity, as indicated by larger zones of inhibition compared to the standard ketoconazole and oregano oil combination, as confirmed by the disc diffusion method. This novel formulation holds great promise for the treatment of Mucocutaneous candidiasis, providing an effective and potentially safer alternative to current therapies.