Submicron-Sized Vermiculite Assisted Oregano Oil for Controlled Release and Long-Term Bacterial Inhibition.

Oregano essential oil (OEO) is a natural compound consisting of potent antibiotic molecules. Its volatility is the major obstacle against the transportation and anti-bacterial performance. In this work, submicron-sized vermiculite (SMV) particles were prepared from Australian vermiculite clay by ball milling, and tested as a potential particulate-carrier for OEO. The loading of OEO by SMV can be easily achieved by mechanical mixing. Compared to raw vermiculite and free OEO, the OEO-loaded SMV displayed sustained isothermal release behaviour of OEO and demonstrated enhanced antibacterial performance in in vitro antibacterial tests against () and   (). This study provides a facile and commercially viable approach in designing advantageous carriers for volatile actives in antimicrobial applications.