Synthesis of nano-liposomes containing Mentha piperita essential oil and investigating their stability, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties.

Objective(s): Considering the problems of using medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases and the role of nanotechnology in reducing these challenges, the present research was conducted with the aim of preparing nano-liposomes containing Mentha piperita essential oil and investigating their physicochemical characteristics. Materials and Methods: Four nano-liposome formulations containing essential oil were prepared using cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine by thin layer method. Encapsulation efficiency, size, zeta potential, and essential oil release were measured in all formulations. The appropriate formulation was selected to investigate the morphology of the particles, their interaction between nano-liposomes and essential oil, toxicity, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Then, the stability of the selected formulation was checked for 120 days. Results: Formulation F1 was selected with an encapsulation efficiency of 62.12%, nano-particle size of 121 nm, and zeta potential of -21.8 mV. In this formulation, no interaction between nano-liposomes and essential oil was observed, and the spherical shape and two-layer nature of the nanoparticles were confirmed. Nanoliposomes with and without essential oil caused little toxicity to normal HFF cells and in all concentrations compared to free essential oil, they had more toxicity on MCF-7 cancer cells and higher antioxidant properties. The anti-proliferative effects of nano-liposomes on some microorganisms were higher than the free essential oil. Also, there were slight changes in some physicochemical properties of nanoparticles during 120 days. Conclusion: Considering the suitable physicochemical properties of nano-liposomes containing essential oil and their anti-proliferative effects, these nano-systems can be suggested for further research in the field of cancer and microbial diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]