EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OMEGA-3 PUFA ENCAPSULATED NANOPARTICLES FOR ENHANCED ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ɷ3-PUFAs) offer strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but their clinical use is limited by instability, oxidation sensitivity, and low bioavailability. This study develops NanoMIL-89 functionalized with ω-3 PUFAs (Nano-ω3-PUFAs) to enhance stability, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity. Characterization via SEM, TEM, XRD, EDX, and FTIR confirmed the crystalline hexagonal structure of NanoMIL-89. Functionalization improved biocompatibility, with no cytotoxicity observed in endothelial cells, fibroblasts, or macrophages. At 100 μg/mL, Nano-ω3-PUFAs significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose- and cell-type-dependent manner. They effectively inhibited Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis) more than Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and fungi (Candida albicans), suggesting a membrane-structure-dependent action, but still had weak inhibition. These findings highlight Nano-ω3-PUFAs as a promising anti-inflammatory and antifungal agent with potential applications in wound healing and drug delivery. Future research should focus on in vivo studies and mechanistic insights.