Mesoporous silica nanoparticles for the encapsulation of essential oils and the improvement of their activity against Fusasrium avenaceum and its production of enniatins

International audienceDespite the in vitro efficacy of various essential oils (EOs), their practical use to control toxigenic Fusarium spp is limited by their high volatility and sensitivity to UV and oxidation. Their nano-encapsulation can provide protection for the active volatile molecules and allow for a gradual release into the environment. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are inert, mechanically stable, stable in suspension in an aqueous medium and their specific surface area is very suitable for functionalization. We have used them for the encapsulation of EOs with antifungal and antimycotoxin activity Mesoporous silica nanoparticles synthesis tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS