Demir, DidemIpek, Semih LatifKahraman, OskayDagli, SibelCeylan, Seda2026-02-272026-02-2720261773-22472588-894310.1016/j.jddst.2026.107992http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2026.107992https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14669/4668Niaouli essential oil (NEO), selected as a bioactive compound, is a volatile oil known for its antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. To overcome the limitations associated with direct use of NEO, nanoemulsion formulations were developed, aiming for stability, long-term release, and controlled use. In this study, NEO nanoemulsions (NEO-NEs) were prepared, incorporated into a polymeric matrix, and evaluated for their potential use as antimicrobial patches. Three different oil-in-water emulsion formulations were produced, and the droplet size analyses were performed. Thin polymeric films were produced as carrier matrices for the optimal NEO-NEs formulation. Polymer matrices based on chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were physicochemically characterized in the presence of different volumes of NEO-NEs (10, 20, and 30 mu L). The sample containing 20 mu L of NEO-NEs exhibited a homogeneous morphology and achieved a swelling ratio of approximately 300 times its initial weight without compromising structural stability. Both direct and indirect cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that the NEO-NEs additive had no adverse effect on the biocompatibility. GC-MS analysis identified the main components of NEO, revealing a rich terpenoid composition that exhibited timedependent antioxidant activity. Release studies showed a controlled, stable, and sustained release profile over 48 h. Microbiological evaluations showed high antifungal activity, particularly against Candida albicans. Overall, the findings of this study highlight the significant potential of NEO-incorporated polymeric adhesive patches for the prevention of fungal infections.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessNiaouli essential oilNanoemulsionPolyvinyl alcoholChitosanSolvent castingTissue engineeringArticle117WOS:001667963800002