Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities of Capparis ovata Methanolic Extracts

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate antibacterial, antifungal and antibiofilm activities of methanol extract of Capparis ovata against some bacteria (Gram positive, Gram negative) and Candida tropicalis. Liquid microdilution method and microplate method were used for the evaluation of antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, respectively. Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for C. ovata extract were 8 mg/ml against Bacillus cereus, 16 mg/ml against Enterococcus faecalis, and C. tropicalis, 32 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Escherichia coli 43895, Listeria monocytogenes strains, and L. inocua, and 64 mg/ml against E. coli 35150, and Salmonella Typhimurium. Minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 16 mg/ml (B. cereus), 64 mg/ml (S. aureus strains except 13552, E. faecalis, C. tropicalis), 128 mg/ml (E. coli 43895 and 35150, L. monocytogenes strains, L. inocua, S. Typhimurium, S. aureus 13552, S. epidermidis). Biofilm formation inhibited by Capparis ovata extract were found as follows (in mg/ml): 8 (S. aureus strains except 13552, S. epidermidis, B. cereus, C. tropicalis; 16 (L. inocua, E. faecalis, 32 (E. coli 43895, L. monocytogenes strains, S. aureus 13552) and 64 (E. coli 35150, S. Typhimurium). C. ovata extract was found to have antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities on the tested pathogenic microorganisms. Due to these properties of C. ovata extract, it can be considered as a plant-based antimicrobial agent to be used in the food industry since the microorganisms we tested pose a problem in foods.