Homalomena pineodora essential oil nanoparticle inhibits diabetic wound pathogens

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Essential oil of <jats:italic>Homalomena pineodora</jats:italic> inhibits diabetic pathogens; however, the activity was not sustainable when applied as wound dressing. This study aims to synthesise the essential oil nanoparticle using chitosan. The nanoparticles were synthesised with ion gelation method, confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. The spherical nanoparticles display a size of 70 nm, with strong surface charge of +24.10 mV. The nanoparticles showed an initial burst release followed by a slow release pattern for 72 h, following the first order of kinetic. The release behaviour was ideal for wound dressing. The antimicrobial activity was broad spectrum. The formation of nanoparticle enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy of the essential oil. The nanoparticle also showed a concentration-dependent killing behaviour on time–kill assay. In the 3D collagen wound models, the nanoparticles reduced the microbial growth by 60–80%. In conclusion, <jats:italic>H</jats:italic>. <jats:italic>pineodora</jats:italic> nanoparticles showed pharmaceutical potential in inhibiting microbial growth on diabetic ulcers.</jats:p>