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

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