This study was carried out to observe the antifungal properties of bergamot essential oil nanoemulsion (BEON). Particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, pH, electrical conductivity, color, and turbidity were observ...
This study was carried out to observe the antifungal properties of bergamot essential oil nanoemulsion (BEON). Particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, pH, electrical conductivity, color, and turbidity were observed to evaluate the physicochemical properties and storage stability of BEON. In order to analyze the antifungal activity of fungi, disc diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, and spore germination assay were conducted. In addition, BEON was applied to natural food like tangerines to confirm the effect of BEON by observing appearance and weight loss during storage. The study results confirmed that 40,000 (μg/mL) BEON was optimum with physicochemically stable and high antifungal activity. The storage stability of 40,000 (μg/mL) BEON was stable at 4°C for 35 days. In applying 40,000 (μg/mL) BEON to tangerines, fungi was observed below 9 mL, and was not seen above 23 mL, but the surface of the tangerines was damaged because of oil contact on the tangerine surface. In this study, the minimum and optimum condition of BEON was 15 mL of 40,000 (μg/mL) BEON, which has an antifungal effect. It is suggested that bergamot essential oil nanoemulsion may be effective in improving sell-by date or use-by date by improving food stability in the food industry.