Comparison of Chitosan and SLN nano-delivery systems for antibacterial effect of Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.

Treatment of wounds is challenging due to bacterial infections including S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Using the merits of alternative antimicrobials like Tea Tree Oil (TTO) and Nanotechnology, they can be helpful in combatting bacterial infections. SLN and Chitosan nanoparticles show great potential as carriers for enhancing the stability and therapeutic benefits of oils. The aim of this study is to compare the influence of nano-carriers in enhancing the antibacterial effects of TTO. The study evaluates the physicochemical and antibacterial properties of TTO-SLN and TTO-CS, against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. The TTO-SLN nanoparticles showed a clear round shape with the average diameter size of 477 nm, while the TTO-CS nanoparticles illustrated very homogeneous morphology with 144 nm size. The encapsulation efficiency for TTO-CS and TTO-SLN was approximately 88.3% and 73.5%, respectively. MIC against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa for TTO-CS, TTO-SLN, and pure TTO were 35 and 45 µgmL-1, 130 and 170 µgmL-1 and 380, 410 µgmL-1, respectively. Since, TTO-CS revealed an impressively higher antimicrobial effects in comparison with TTO-SLN and TTO alone, it can be considered as a nano-carrier which produces the same antimicrobial effects with lower required amounts of the active substance.