Zahra Lasemi - Department of Chemistry, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Penicillium sp., is a pathogenic fungus and the cause of mold of citrus,۱ which strongly affects the quality of products after harvesting and brings serious economic losses. One of the new methods is to use essential oils to control decay caused by the growth of mold.۲ Although Thymus daenensis essential oil is effective antimicrobial agent,۳ its low solubility and hydrophobicity limit its use as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional antibiotics against Penicillium.In this study, Thymus daenensis essential oil nanoemulsion, was prepared and its effect on Penicillium fungus was evaluated. According to the obtained results, it was found that the nanoemulsion of of Thymus daenensis had the great inhibitory effect on the growth of Penicillium fungus. This nanoemulsion was identified using infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. This research shows nanoemulsions of Thymus daenensis essential oil have good antifungal activity against Penicillium and can be used as an alternative to synthetic fungicides to inhibit molds in fruits.

Antifungal activity, Essential oil, Nanoemulsion, Penicillium, Thymus daenensis.