Objective(s): The aim of the present study was to prepare, characterize, and evaluate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO). Materials and Methods: In this study, Z. multiflora essential oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (ZE-SLNs) were prepared to improve its efficiency in controlling some fungal pathogens. SLNs containing Z. multiflora essential oil were prepared by high shear homogenization and ultra sound technique. ZEO-SLNs contained 0.03% ZEO in 5% of lipid phase (Glyceryl monostearate-GMS and Precirol® ATO 5) and tween 80+ Poloxamer 188 (2.5 % w/v) was used as surfactant in the aqueous phase. The efficacy of ZE-SLNs compared with ZEO and evaluated under In vitro conditions on the growth of the fungal pathogens. Results: The particle size of ZE-SLNs was around 255.5±3 nm with PDI of 0.369±0.05and zeta potential was about -37.8±0.8 mV. Encapsulation efficacy of ZE-SLNs in crystalline form was 84±0. 92%. The results showed that the ZEO had 54% inhibition and the ZE-SLNs had 79% inhibition on the growth of fungal pathogens. the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) under in vitro conditions for the ZEO on the fungal pathogens of Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria solani, Rhizoctonia solani, and Rhizopus stolonifer was 300, 200, 300, 200, 200 and 200 ppm, respectively, for ZE-SLNs, it was 200, 200, 200, 100, 50 and 50 ppm. ZE-SLNs inhibited significantly the growth of the mentioned fungal compared to ZEO. Conclusion: Our results showed that the SLNs were suitable carriers for Z. multiflora essential oil in controlling the fungal pathogens.

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