A green strategy for resveratrol nanodelivery: A multidisciplinary approach for the physicochemical characterization of Thymus-based liposomes with anti-biofilm activity against Listeria monocytogenes

Nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems (DDS) offer promising strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy, stability,\r\nand targeted delivery of bioactive compounds while reducing side effects. In this study, a multidisciplinary\r\napproach was employed to develop and characterize bioactive liposomes incorporating resveratrol (RV), a\r\npolyphenol with known therapeutic potential but limited bioavailability, and Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TEO),\r\nrecognized for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. To obtain stable nanocarriers, liposomes were\r\nformulated using soy lecithin and prepared by thin layer evaporation technique followed by sonication process.\r\nTo assess the preservation of TEO's chemical profile during formulation, Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction\r\ncoupled with Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) was performed. Quantitative analysis\r\nof thymol and carvacrol, the two main active components, was performed by HPLC-UV experiments. Physicochemical\r\ncharacterization of DDS was carried out employing Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), UV–Vis spectrophotometer\r\nand Transmission electron microscopy. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by broth microdilution\r\nmethod, while biofilm inhibition ability was evaluated using crystal violet staining. The obtained nanocarriers\r\nexhibited appropriate physicochemical characteristics, including optimal particle size and stability. They can\r\nefficiently load both oil and RV. These features enhanced the antibacterial activity of LT-RV compared to free RV,\r\nand improved its inhibitory effect, at sub-MIC concentrations, against the sessile form of Listeria monocytogenes\r\nstrains.\r\nThis study highlights the importance of integrating chemical, physical, and biological evaluations to develop\r\neffective nanocarrier-based formulations with the aim to identify a suitable strategy to combat infections associated\r\nwith resistant, biofilm-producing pathogens, and offer a versatile and effective delivery platform.