MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Nanoemulsion formulation of lemongrass essential oil using Pseudomonas-derived rhamnolipids for targeted phytopathogen suppression

Summary

This study developed a nano-sized formulation of lemongrass oil stabilized with naturally-derived rhamnolipid surfactant to fight plant fungal diseases. The formulation successfully inhibited the growth of three major plant pathogens and remained stable during storage. This bio-based approach offers farmers an environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides for protecting crops.

Background

Fungal pathogens cause 70-80% of agricultural microbial infections, resulting in significant crop yield losses. Plant-derived essential oils offer eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides, but their volatility and environmental degradation limit practical application. Nanoencapsulation using biosurfactants presents a sustainable approach to enhance stability and bioactivity.

Objective

To develop and characterize a lemongrass essential oil-loaded nanoemulsion stabilized by rhamnolipid biosurfactant and evaluate its antifungal activity against fungal phytopathogens including Rigidoporus microporus, Fusarium oxysporum, and Ganoderma boninense.

Results

The optimized formulation (A2) exhibited mean particle size of 119.95 nm with PDI of 0.35, zeta potential of -27.63 mV, and superior surface tension reduction compared to synthetic surfactants. Lemongrass oil showed MIC values of 3.2-4.0 mg/mL against tested phytopathogens with good storage stability over 28 days.

Conclusion

Rhamnolipid-stabilized lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsions demonstrated excellent physicochemical properties and antifungal efficacy, offering a sustainable eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides for managing fungal plant diseases.
  • Published in:3 Biotech,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1007/s13205-025-04579-w; PMID: 41169803
Scroll to Top