Abstract
Essential oils are natural ingredients exhibiting antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The properties of a mix of Allium sativum, Cinnamomum cassia and Mentha piperita essential oils are established in this study on a biofilm forming pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01. Minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were first determined on planktonic cells for the pure essential oils, then for the blend. A crystal violet assay provided the active concentration of a blend for bacterial biofilm. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 planktonic and sessile cells were affected by a concentration of an essential oil blend of 0.125%. The active concentration of 0.1% was confirmed using a protocol developed on glass slides, for its activity on adhesion and biofilm formation. The experiment was then repeated in flow cells to monitor the structural biofilm development using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 adhesion was severely inhibited by the blend concentration at 0.5%. Its biofilm was strongly affected from a 0.1% blend concentration and was totally eradicated when the concentration reached 1%. The essential oil blend has an enlarged spectrum of activity and is effective on early biofilm development stages, with a concentration that does not involve bactericidal activities. These results are predictive for potential use of this blend as a cleanser.
Highlights
Biofilms are complex structures involving different species of microorganisms, embedded in an exopolysaccharidic matrix [1]
Surface cleaning is strongly controlled by chemical or physical methods, it is rarely effective for total eradication of biofilms [2]
As Mentha piperita essential oil (MEO) was rich in terpenes, Allium sativum essential oil (AEO) was principally composed of sulphonates and the major compounds of cassia essential oil (CEO) derivate from cinnamic acid
Summary
Biofilms are complex structures involving different species of microorganisms, embedded in an exopolysaccharidic matrix [1]. Bacteria are able to communicate due to a quorum sensing systemnutrient, DNA and proteins being exchanged between the different protagonists [2]. Due to this structure, biofilms are resistant to disinfectants or detergents and lead to complications in many fields, such as the food industry or medical surgery [1,3]. Biofilms are able to adapt themselves to chemical products, leading to high resistance and new solutions have to be investigated. Phages, interspecies competition or natural plant extracts - like volatile compounds - have been studied and offer alternatives to obtain new anti-biofilm products [6,7,8,9]
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