exploring the antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of essential oil nanoemulsions against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in dairy cows: a systematic review of innovative therapeutic approaches

The rise of multidrug-resistant (mdr) bacterial infections in dairy cows threatens animal health and the economic viability of dairy operations. this systematic review evaluates the antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy of essential oil nanoemulsions against mdr pathogens in dairy cows. a comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as pubmed, scopus, and web of science, focusing on peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2024. essential oil nanoemulsions, prepared using high-energy methods like ultrasonic emulsification, high-pressure homogenization, or microfluidization, enhance physicochemical properties and bioactivity by reducing droplet size to the nanometer scale. comparative analysis revealed that cinnamon and peppermint oil nanoemulsions exhibited the highest antibacterial efficacy, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (mics) of 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively, against klebsiella spp., streptococcus uberis, and staphylococcus aureus. these nanoemulsions also demonstrated significant biofilm reduction, up to 75% for cinnamon oil and 70% for peppermint oil. the mechanisms of action include disrupting cell membranes, inhibiting quorum sensing, and reducing biofilm maturation. essential oil nanoemulsions showed minimal safety risks and potential cost-effectiveness compared to traditional treatments. their adoption could improve animal health and welfare while reducing antibiotic use and mitigating antimicrobial resistance. however, limitations such as methodological variability, limited sample sizes, and short-term studies warrant further research into long-term efficacy, combination therapies, and field trials to validate their real-world applicability in dairy farming. in conclusion, this review highlights the promising potential of essential oil nanoemulsions, particularly cinnamon and peppermint oils, as viable alternatives to combat mdr bacterial infections in dairy cows. as the dairy industry seeks solutions to this critical challenge, essential oil nanoemulsions represent a promising and innovative therapeutic approach.