Abstract
IntroductionThe new SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has spread exponentially since the first recognition of the new virus and continues to infect millions of individuals worldwide. The importance of contaminated surfaces in transmission is uncertain. Minimizing surface contact, hand hygiene after surface contact, and cleaning and disinfecting the environment are recommended to reduce the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2. As surfaces are prone to transmitting COVID-19 infection, highly exposed surface areas need to be cleaned frequently with a suitable disinfectant. Essential oils have been extensively used as antimicrobial extract for several microorganisms. However, no experimental studies have previously investigated these compounds against the SARS-CoV-2. ObjectivesIn this work, we conducted a comprehensive mapping of SARS-CoV-2 protein denaturation using different essential oils (EO) aiming at the future development of natural disinfectants. MethodsThe tested oils were melaleuca, cinnamon, cardamom, buriti, and linalool. Positive nasopharyngeal samples of COVID-19 patients were exposed in direct contact with EOs, at different times, and the virus elimination efficiency was verified through an immunochromatographic Rapid Antigen Test. ResultsThe best EOs were Melaleuca alternifolia and Cinnamomum cassia, which denatured SARS-CoV-2 proteins at least with 5 min of contact by interfering with the viral envelope or the spike protein. Cardamom oil probably damaged the virus capsid, and buriti oil disrupted the viral protein envelop. Linalool oil did not denature SARS-CoV-2 proteins. ConclusionsOils have a considerable potential to produce ecologically friendly disinfectants that can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in different contact times depending on the mechanism of action and oil-active compounds.
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