Objective: Microbial infections and mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, with 627 k deaths in 2020, are still major public health challenges. Results: This study prepared nanoemulsion and nanogel containing Artemisia dracunculus essential oil. ATR-FTIR analysis (Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform InfraRed) confirmed the successful loading of the essential oil in nanoemulsion and nanogel. LC50 values (Lethal Concentration 50%) of nanogel and nanoemulsion against Anopheles stephensi larvae were obtained as 6.68 (2–19 µg/mL) and 13.53 (7–25 µg/mL). Besides, the growth of Staphylococcus aureus after treatment with 5000 μg/mL nanogel and nanoemulsion was reduced by ~ 70%. However, about 20% growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was reduced at this dose. Considering the proper efficacy of the nanogel as a larvicide and proper antibacterial effect against S. aureus, it could be considered for further investigations against other mosquitoes’ larvae and gram-positive bacteria.

Cuminum cyminum L. is a widespread medicinal plant with a broad spectrum of biological activity. In the present study, the chemical structure of its essential oil was examined utilizing GC-MS analysis (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). Then, a nanoemulsion dosage form was prepared with a droplet size and droplet size distribution (SPAN) of 121±3nm and 0.96. After that, the dosage form of the nanogel was prepared; the nanoemulsion was gelified by the addition of 3.0 carboxymethyl cellulose. In addition, the successful loading of the essential oil into the nanoemulsion and nanogel was approved by ATR-FTIR (attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared) analysis. The IC50 values (half maximum inhibitory concentration) of the nanoemulsion and nanogel against A-375 human melanoma cells were 369.6 (497335) and 127.2 (77210)μg/mL. In addition, they indicated some degrees of an antioxidant activity. Interestingly, after treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 5000µg/mL nanogel, bacterial growth was completely (100) inhibited. In addition, the growth of Staphylococcus aureus after treatment with the 5000μg/ml nanoemulsion was decreased by 80. In addition, nanoemulsion and nanogel LC50 values for Anopheles stephensi larvae were attained as 43.91 (3162) and 123.9 (111137)µg/mL. Given the natural ingredients and promising efficacy, these nanodrugs can be regarded for further research against other pathogens or mosquito larvae.

Eucalyptus globulus essential oil (EGEO) possesses many biological effects such as antibacterial, antifungal, and insecticide properties. In the current study, the chemical composition of EGEO was first investigated using GC-MS analysis. Then, a nanoemulsion and nanogel containing EGEO (EGEO-nanoemulsion and EGEO-nanogel) were prepared. After that, the successful loading of EGEO was confirmed using ATR-FTIR analysis. EGEO-nanoemulsion and EGEO-nanogel with LC₅₀ values of 27 and 32μg/mL showed promising efficacies against Anopheles stephensi larvae. Besides, the efficacy of EGEO-nanogel (IC₅₀ 187μg/mL) was significantly more potent than EGEO-nanoemulsion (IC₅₀ 3732μg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus. However, no significant difference was observed in the efficacy of EGEO-nanoemulsion and EGEO-nanogel against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Natural components, straightforward preparation, and proper efficacy are some of the advantages of EGEO-nanogel; it could be considered for further consideration against other pathogens and mosquito larvae.

COVID-19 can spread through human-to-human contact, and its progression occurs more frequently in people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, metabolic, cardiovascular, and other respiratory disorders. To date, this devastating pandemic has resulted in millions of cases and fatalities. Socioeconomic disparities have a significant impact on an individual's susceptibility and exposure to COVID-19. In the absence of effective treatments or immunization, an individual's risk of contracting respiratory tract infections is primarily heightened by their inability to maintain social distancing. This is due to limited access to potable water and overcrowded living conditions, which impede the ability to maintain a safe distance. Additionally, individuals engaged in informal occupations may be disproportionately affected by the pandemic due to reduced income resulting from business closures. Furthermore, COVID-19 vulnerability is influenced by chronic issues that stem from socioeconomic inequalities, such as household income, employment, education level, and welfare. These factors disproportionately affect certain socio-economic groups, including women, minorities, and immigrants. In summary, several factors, including comorbidities associated with poverty, increased exposure to the virus, and impaired access to healthcare, make economically disadvantaged individuals more susceptible to COVID-19. The pandemic has brought to light the inequalities within society and may exacerbate them. Policymakers must quickly identify individuals with multiple comorbidities to increase social welfare and alleviate their economic vulnerabilities.