Cannabis extract-loaded lipid and chitosan-coated lipid nanoparticles with antifungal activity

In the global context of excessive and indiscriminate application of synthetic agrochemicals, this work combined natural compounds and nanotechnology to develop eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural systems with antifungal action. Cannabis (C) is composed of a large number of phytocannabinoids and terpenes and exhibit important biological properties. Due to the chemical instability of C to avoid their decomposition from environmental exposure, the use of efficient carriers become a promising alternative. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) containing C extract were synthesized by homogenization with the ultrasonication method into a lipidic matrix coated with chitosan. The SLN formulations were characterized by dynamic light scattering and field emission scanning electron microscopy, showing a spherical morphology with particles in the range of 150 – 240 nm and low polydispersity indexes. Entrapment efficiency of C was higher than 20% and effectively in vitro released in 24 h. Particularly, the SLN coated with chitosan and loaded with C exhibited an enhanced fungicidal activity against the phytopathogen fungus Fusarium solani sp. Eumartii in a lower concentration than the neat C extract. The results showed a synergistic effect between the positive charges of chitosan and the effect of phytocannabinoids and terpenes of C. These nano-formulations are a promising solution to transform the current agriculture system into a more efficient, eco-friendly and sustainable one.