Abstract
. The cationic coating of the shellac NPs strongly enhanced the antimicrobial effect of the encapsulated CUR for all the examined microorganisms. We envisage that the enhanced effect is due to the strong electrostatic attraction of the coated CUR-loaded shellac NPs and the anionic surface of the cell walls which promote the nanocarrier accumulation directly on the microbial cell membrane and the local delivery of CUR which increased its bioavailability. This nanotechnology-aided amplification of the antimicrobial effect of CUR may potentially offer new antialgal, anti-yeast and antibacterial formulations based on natural ingredients as shellac and curcumin without the use of conventional antibiotics.