Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as a Delivery System for Zataria multiflora Essential Oil: Formulation and Characterization

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to formulate and characterize solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of essential oil of Zataria multiflora. Methods: The essential oil was extracted from the leaves of Z. multiflora and was analyzed by GC-MS. SLNs were prepared using two methods including precipitation technique and hot homogenization method for achieving the best encapsulation. The SLNs were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetery (DSC), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and particle size analysis. The release of essential oil was determined using a dialysis membrane method. Key findings: The results showed that the encapsulation efficiency was 38.66%. Results of particle size determination showed a mean size of 650 nm and SLNs were spherical as shown by TEM. The DSC curve of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), polyethyleneglycol (PEG), cetyl alcohol and essential oil were different from essential oil containing SLNs, which indicated that the essential oil can interact with the matrix of lipid during the preparation of the SLNs. 93.2% of the essential oil was released after 24 h. Conclusions: The results of characterization of the SLNs indicated the potential application of essential oil of Z. multiflora loaded SLN as carrier system.