## 2 Results and Discussion
### Assessment of Antimicrobial Properties

Table 4: The antibacterial activity of tested hydrogels expressed as the diameter of the average inhibition zone (mm). may be significantly reduced [62]. Moreover, literature data show that monoterenes can expand bacterial cell membranes and increase their fluidity and permeability [63]. Additionally, they can lead to various disorders of the proper functioning of proteins embedded in the membrane, inhibit respiration, and negatively affect the ion transport process [26]. It is worth noting that the analyses carried out as part of this study showed that only the highest concentration of TER inhibits the growth of the probiotic bacteria _Lactobacillus acidophilus_, which positively affects the proper functioning of the skin [64]. Since many skin diseases are also associated with the development of strains of pathogenic fungi on the skin surface, the possibility of inhibiting the proliferation of _Candida albicans_ and _Malssezia furfur_ by the developed hydrogels containing CBD and TER indicates their great potential in the treatment of dermatological diseases. This antifungal effect may be related to the fact that, as research shows, TER may inhibit the metabolic pathways of fungi, and lead to hyphae distortion and disruption of spores [65]. TER may also cause disturbances of cell membrane integrity, alteration of extracellular conduction, loss of cellular components, and mycelial distortion [66]. The second active substance used in the developed hydrogels, CBD, also has documented antimicrobial properties, including bactericidal and bacteriatic properties [21; 67]. This compound can inhibit the growth of many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including many strains showing drug resistance [21]. [PERSON] et al. additionally indicated that it also shows intense activity against the formation of bacterial biofilms, has local in vitro effectiveness, and has only a slight tendency to induce bacterial resistance. The primary mechanism responsible for the antibacterial properties of CBD is probably damage to the cell membrane of these microorganisms [21]. [PERSON] et al. showed that this compound is a potential inhibitor of the release of membrane vesicles from bacteria, which play an essential role in cell communication and interactions between the pathogen and the host, which affects the antibiotic resistance of these bacteria [68]. Moreover, these studies suggest that CBD may be a potential adjuvant in enhancing the activity of antibiotics used to combat a broad spectrum of bacteria [68]. As shown in this study, CBD may also have an inhibitory effect on the growth of fungi. This activity was also shown in the work of [PERSON] et al., who demonstrated that this compound can significantly inhibit biofilm formation by _C. albicans_, which significantly reduces the virulence of this microorganism. Additionally, this compound reduces the gene expression in exopolysaccharide production, hyphal formation, and virulence. Moreover, CBD reduces the intracellular ATP level, causes hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, changes the structure of the cell wall, and increases the permeability of the fungal cell membrane [67]. Thus, using hydrogels containing TER and CBD compounds and applying them directly to the skin can significantly minimize skin changes induced by pathogenic microorganisms' activity.