Ngo Nyobe, J. C. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2026

Ocimum gratissimum essential oil nanoemulsions as a safe topical nanoplatform for antibacterial and wound-healing activities

BackgroundNatural essential oils exhibit antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, but their therapeutic application is limited by poor water solubility, volatility, and instability. This study developed and characterized a nanoemulsion of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil (OGNe) and evaluated its physicochemical properties, dermal safety, antibacterial activity, and wound-healing potential. MethodsEssential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and formulated into nanoemulsions by high-speed stirring emulsification. Physicochemical properties, including pH, droplet size, polydispersity index, and storage stability, were determined. Acute dermal toxicity was assessed in Wistar rats following OECD Test Guideline 402. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using broth microdilution, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill assays. Wound-healing efficacy was investigated using an excision wound model over 21 days using distilled water and trolamine serving as controls. ResultsOGNe exhibited a stable milky appearance, near-neutral pH, and droplet sizes ranging from 26 to 224 nm. No signs of dermal toxicity or behavioral abnormalities were observed after topical administration. The nanoemulsion showed selective antibacterial activity, with the highest susceptibility against Acinetobacter baumannii (MIC = 1.125 L/mL), whereas Escherichia coli remained resistant. Time-kill assays demonstrated concentration-dependent bacteriostatic activity. In vivo, OGNe significantly accelerated wound contraction from day 3 onward (p < 0.0001), achieving healing rates comparable to or exceeding those of trolamine during the inflammatory and proliferative phases. ConclusionOcimum gratissimum nanoemulsions represent stable, biocompatible topical formulations that combine selective antibacterial activity with enhanced wound healing, supporting their potential as phytopharmaceutical nanoformulations for the management of acute skin wounds.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2025

Antibacterial potential of selected extracts and silver nanoparticles from bacterial endophyte harboured by Cola acuminata and Cola nitida (Sterculiaceae) roots

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently a global health issue in most countries. Harnessing endophytic at present. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria can adapt and grow in the presence of antibiotics. Endophytic microorganisms as bio-factory of natural bioactive compounds, and their potential in nanotechnology remains largely under explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of extracts and silver nanoparticles synthesised using bacterial endophytes isolated from Cola acuminata and Cola nitida roots. MethodologyThe roots of each plant were harvested, washed, cut and surface sterilised. The sterile pieces were placed on the surface of nutrient agar and incubated, after which the microorganisms were sub-cultured until pure colonies were obtained. Secondary metabolite production was then undertaken over a 12-day fermentation period in Mueller Hinton Broth, conducted under stringent aseptic conditions. Each microorganism was fermented in two different tanks. The first was used for the preparation of crude extracts, and the second for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The in vitro antibacterial activity was determined using the broth microdilution method against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter sp. and Escherichia coli. The MIC and the time-kill kinetic were used to determine the inhibiting parameters. The endophytes that produced the most promising effects were identified using microscopy and MALDI-TOF techniques. Results22 extracts were obtained from Cola nitida and Cola acuminata endophytes extracts (16 and 6 respectively. Crude extracts and silver nanoparticle). The most active material were the crude extracts from Cola acuminata endophytes were found to be the most active preparations. The MALDI-TOF identification method yielded the designation of NPMRU 6508, NPMRU 6511, NPMRU 7045 and NPMRU 7063 as Bacillus cereus. Furthermore, NPMRU6113 and NPMRU7047 were identified as Brevibacterium sp. ConclusionThis study supports the use of endophytes derived from Cola acuminata and Cola nitida roots to combat four bacterial strains involved in the development of antibiotic resistance.

microbiology↗