Investigating Characterizations and Antifungal Effects of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) Loaded with Essential Oil of Citrus Aurantifolia on Isolated Malassezia Strains

Introduction: Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) were introduced as a different carrier system from emulsions, liposomes, and polymer nanoparticles. Physico-chemical characteristics and stability of drugs that are loaded on SLNs, depends on the properties of drugs and components used in it. Materials and Methods: In this study, qualitative assessment was performed by GS/MS and UV-VIS to identify compounds in the essential oil of Citrus Aurantifolia. In a part of the research, the type of lipid phase and surfactant that was used to prepare the formulations of nanoparticles containing essential oil. Also, particle size, PDI, Zeta potential, Entrapment efficiency were analyzed. The best formulation of Lim-SLNs was released based on the physicochemical properties and finally, the antifungal activity of Citrus Aurantifolia Skin Essential Oil (CASEO) loaded in SLN compared with Clotrimazole and CASEO was investigated using MIC test against Malassezia fungus. Results: The results of the GC/MS showed that the main component of CASEO included Limonene, α-Terpinene, Trenlene and α-Terpineal. Also, the best formulation of LIM-SLN14 with glycerol monostearate lipid phase had more release than the LIM-SLN10 formulation of stearic acid lipid phase. CASEO loaded in lipid lymphatic nanoparticles at 0.008% tuberosity of CASEO inhibited 90% of malassezia furfur. Our results confirmed that CASEO with a guide of SLNs has a good antifungal effect. Conclusion: These findings are important because frequent usage of antifungal drugs leads to adverse effects; therefore, the antifungal substances extracted from plants are new, more effective, and act as specific solutions for the development of anti-malassezia drugs.