Ultrasonic nanoemulsification of food grade trans-cinnamaldehyde: 1,8-Cineol and investigation of the mechanism of antibacterial activity.

•trans-Cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsions with mean diameter from 27 to 113nm were prepared.•Adding 1,8-cineol as co additive and OR inhibitor, led to a more stable nanoemulsions.•Antibacterial activity of the nanoemulsified EO against bacteria improved considerably.•Nanoemulsion could kill microorganisms in about 10min through bacterial membrane damage.•FTIR studies of nanoemulsion treated bacteria confirmed membrane fluidity changes.