Essential oil nanoemulsions and biopolymeric nanoparticles for antimicrobial applications
Natural antimicrobial delivery systems based on essential oils stabilized in aqueous phases through nanoemulsions or biopolymeric nanoparticles. Enables formulation of cleaning and food products with natural ingredients, customizable essential oil selection, and scalable high-throughput production for controlled, sustained antimicrobial activity.
Overview
This solution leverages the broad, non-specific antimicrobial properties of essential oils by stabilizing them in aqueous phases using nanoemulsions and biopolymeric nanoparticles. The approach enables the development of cleaning products, food preservation systems, and other antimicrobial formulations using natural ingredients. The technology allows formulators to select essential oils based on desired product properties, including flavor, aroma, and cost considerations. By regulating the release of essential oils through controlled formulation and surface properties, antimicrobial activity can be tuned over time to match specific application requirements.
Technical specifications
Core technology features:
- Essential oil encapsulation in nanoemulsions and biopolymeric nanoparticles for aqueous-phase stabilization
- Formulation with natural ingredients suitable for food and cleaning product applications
- Customizable selection of essential oils to match desired sensory and functional properties
- Tunable release kinetics for controlled, time-regulated antimicrobial activity
- High-throughput production methods including high-pressure homogenization and hydrodynamic cavitation
- Compatibility testing against a range of microorganisms following standard inactivation protocols at 1, 2, and 7 days
- Accelerated stability studies to validate shelf life of optimized formulations
Technology readiness level
The technology has been validated through extensive prior research demonstrating proven antimicrobial activity of essential oil nanoemulsions and nanoparticles. Current development focuses on addressing the main remaining challenge: interactions between delivery systems and the ingredients and interfaces of real commercial products. Future validation involves testing antimicrobial efficacy in customer-provided formulations, defining minimum effective essential oil concentrations for cost optimization, and conducting accelerated stability studies to confirm shelf life for the most promising formulations.
About Universita degli Studi di Salerno
Università degli Studi di Salerno is a comprehensive public research university serving southern Italy from campuses in Fisciano and Baronissi. Industry engagement is anchored by a technology transfer office and a TTPoint helpdesk that guide IP, contracting, and co‑development with companies on campus. An incubator, created with Sviluppo Italia Campania, supports venture creation and growth for university spin‑offs and external innovators. Clinical translation benefits from integration with the San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d’Aragona – Scuola Medica Salernitana university hospital, linking research with patient care. Research is sustained by competitive European and Italian funding, with contract research and spin‑off programs providing clear pathways for collaboration.
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