Synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles possessing bioactive properties

Essential oils (EOs) are one of the most promising bioactive agents obtained from different aromatic plants that can show important antimicrobial activities. In this study, it was aimed to fabricate poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with Origanum vulgare (ONPs) EO at different proportions using the electrospraying technique. In a large number of biological, medical or pharmaceutical applications, the NPs can be effectively used. The encapsulation efficiency value was determined to be 77.2%. The controlled-release test revealed that ONPs could release 82.78% of their EO content. The molecular and thermal analyses confirmed very good encapsulation of the EO into thermally stable NPs. Furthermore, the antifungal effectiveness of O. vulgare against Aspergillus niger and Botrytis cinerea could be significantly increased by their encapsulation into PVA–chitosan NPs. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that the NPs fabricated by using the electrospraying method be used as a long-term and natural preservative in food-storage applications due to their abilities to perform controlled release of their bioactive contents. The fabrication of NPs through the electrospraying technique may open a new area for natural preservatives in food-storage applications.