scholarly journals Essential Oils as Natural Biocides in Conservation of Cultural Heritage

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franco Palla ◽  
Maurizio Bruno ◽  
Federica Mercurio ◽  
Antonella Tantillo ◽  
Valentina Rotolo
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Biological Systems ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Thymus Vulgaris ◽  
Fungal Colonization ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industries

Essential oils (EOs) have been known for a long time, and they are used in several fields such as medicine and aromatherapy, as well as in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In the last decade, EOs have also been applied to contrast the biodeterioration of cultural heritage, representing a powerful resource in green conservation strategies. In this study, an integrated approach based on microscopic observation, in vitro culture, and molecular investigation was preliminarily employed to identify biological systems colonizing wooden artworks. In order to contrast the biodeterioration processes induced by fungal colonization (Aspergillus flavus) or insect infestation (Anobium punctatum), wooden artworks were exposed to the volatile compound of Origanum vulgare or Thymus vulgaris essential oils (EOs), the chemical composition of which was determined by GC–MS using both polar and apolar columns. Artwork exposure was performed in ad-hoc-assembled “clean chambers.” Evaluating the effects on biological systems, the compatibility with artwork constitutive materials, and the lack of negative effects on human health and environmental pollution, the use of EOs as a valid alternative to traditional biocides must be considered.

scholarly journals In Vitro Activity of Essential Oils Against Planktonic and Biofilm Cells of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)/Carbapenamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria Involved in Human Nosocomial Infections

Antibiotics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramona Iseppi ◽  
Alessandro Di Cerbo ◽  
Piero Aloisi ◽  
Mattia Manelli ◽  
Veronica Pellesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibacterial Activity ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Disk Diffusion ◽  
Mentha Piperita ◽  
Thymus Vulgaris ◽  
Extended Spectrum ◽  
Disk Diffusion Assay ◽  
Diffusion Assay

The aim of this study was to analyze the antibacterial activity of four essential oils (EOs), Melaleuca alternifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita, and Thymus vulgaris, in preventing the development and spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL)-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. A total of 60 strains were obtained from the stock collection from the Microbiology Laboratory of Hesperia Hospital, Modena, Italy. Twenty ESBL-producing E. coli, 5 K. pneumoniae, 13 KPC-producing K. pneumoniae, and 20 MBL-producing P. aeruginosa were cultured and reconfirmed as ESBL and carbapenamase producers. Polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of genes responsible for antibiotic resistance (ESBL and KPC/MBL). Antibacterial activity of the EOs was determined using the agar disk diffusion assay, and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were also evaluated. Lastly, adhesion capability and biofilm formation on polystyrene and glass surfaces were studied in 24 randomly selected strains. M. alternifolia and T. vulgaris EOs showed the best antibacterial activity against all tested strains and, as revealed by agar disk diffusion assay, M. alternifolia was the most effective, even at low concentrations. This effect was also confirmed by MICs, with values ranging from 0.5 to 16 µg/mL and from 1 to 16 µg/mL, for M. alternifolia and T. vulgaris EOs, respectively. The EOs’ antibacterial activity compared to antibiotics confirmed M. alternifolia EO as the best antibacterial agent. T. vulgaris EO also showed a good antibacterial activity with MICs lower than both reference antibiotics. Lastly, a significant anti-biofilm activity was observed for the two EOs (*P < 0.05 and **P < 0.01 for M. alternifolia and T. vulgaris EOs, respectively). A good antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of M. alternifolia and T. vulgaris EOs against all selected strains was observed, thus demonstrating a future possible use of these EOs to treat infections caused by ESBL/carbapenemase-producing strains, even in association with antibiotics.

scholarly journals Screening and Evaluation of Essential Oils from Mediterranean Aromatic Plants against the Mushroom Cobweb Disease, Cladobotryum mycophilum

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 656
Author(s):  
Gea ◽  
Navarro ◽  
Santos ◽  
Diánez ◽  
Herraiz-Peñalver
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Biological Efficiency ◽  
Thymus Vulgaris ◽  
Aromatic Species ◽  
Crop Cycle ◽  
Cobweb Disease ◽  
Fungitoxic Effect ◽  
Compensatory Effect

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the use of essential oils (EOs) as an alternative to synthetic fungicides used in the control of cobweb disease of button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) caused by Cladobotryum mycophilum. The EOs used were obtained by hydrodistillation from five Mediterranean aromatic species (Lavandula × intermedia, Salvia lavandulifolia, Satureja montana, Thymus mastichina, and Thymus vulgaris), analyzed by gas chromatography, and tested in vitro for their antifungal activity against C. mycophilum. In vitro bioassays showed that the EOs obtained from T. vulgaris and S. montana (ED50 = 35.5 and 42.8 mg L−1, respectively) were the most effective EOs for inhibiting the mycelial growth of C. mycophilum, and were also the most selective EOs between C. mycophilum and A. bisporus. The in vivo efficacy of T. vulgaris and S. montana EOs at two different concentrations (0.5 and 1%) were evaluated in two mushroom growing trials with C. mycophilum inoculation. The treatments involving T. vulgaris and S. montana EOs at the higher dose (1% concentration) were as effective as fungicide treatment. The effect of these EOs on mushroom productivity was tested in a mushroom cropping trial without inoculation. They had a strong fungitoxic effect at the first flush. However, a compensatory effect was observed by the end of the crop cycle and no differences were observed in biological efficiency between treatments. The main compounds found were carvacrol and p-cymene for S. montana, and p-cymene and thymol for T. vulgaris. These results suggest that T. vulgaris and S. montana EOs may be useful products to manage cobweb disease if used as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) program.

scholarly journals In Vitro Antagonistic Effect of Gut Bacteriota Isolated from Indigenous Honey Bees and Essential Oils against Paenibacillus Larvae

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miroslava Kačániová ◽  
Margarita Terentjeva ◽  
Jana Žiarovská ◽  
Przemysław Łukasz Kowalczewski
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Digestive Tract ◽  
Antagonistic Effect ◽  
Paenibacillus Larvae ◽  
Thymus Vulgaris ◽  
Plant Essential Oils ◽  
Microbial Groups ◽  
Selection Of

The aim of study was to isolate and identify the gut bacteria of Apis mellifera and to evaluate antagonistic effect of the bacteriota against Paenibacillus larvae, which causes American foulbrood (AFB) in honeybees. The dilution plating method was used for the quantification of selected microbial groups from digestive tract of bees, with an emphasis on the bacteriota of the bees’ intestines. Bacteria were identified using mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS Biotyper). Overall, five classes, 27 genera and 66 species of bacteria were identified. Genera Lactobacillus (10 species) and Bacillus (8 species) were the most abundant. Gram-negative bacteria were represented with 16 genera, whereas Gram-positive with 10 genera. Delftia acidovorans and Escherichia coli were the most abundant in the digestive tract of honey bee. Resistance to a selection of antimicrobials was assessed for the bacterial isolates from bee gut and confirmed against all antimicrobials included in the study, with the exception of cefepime. Lactobacillus spp., especially L. kunkeei, L. crispatus and L. acidophilus. showed the strongest antimicrobial activity against P. larvae, the causal pathogen of AFB. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils against isolated bacteria and two isolates of P. larvae were assessed. Application of a broad selection of plant essential oils indicated that Thymus vulgaris had the highest antimicrobial activity against P. larvae.

scholarly journals In Vitro Susceptibility of Multidrug Resistant Strains of Salmonella to Essential Oils

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1987890
Author(s):  
Valeria Listorti ◽  
Roberta Battistini ◽  
Carlo Ercolini ◽  
Clara Tramuta ◽  
Elisabetta Razzuoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Diffusion Method ◽  
Thymus Vulgaris ◽  
In Vitro Susceptibility ◽  
Resistant Strains

Antimicrobial resistance has become a global threat to public health. There is a critical need to find new antimicrobial substances from natural sources. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) obtained from Origanum vulgare, Thymus serpyllum, Thymus vulgaris, and Melaleuca alternifolia against multidrug resistant strains of Salmonella isolated from samples of diverse animal origin. The strains were biochemically identified, serotyped, and characterized for their antimicrobial resistance profiles. The antimicrobial activity of the EOs against the strains was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer diffusion method, followed by determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentrations. The EOs of T. serpyllum and O. vulgare, which contain carvacrol as the main compound, show excellent antimicrobial activity.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Plant Origin Essential Oils as Herbal Biocides for the Protection of Caves Belonging to Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1836
Author(s):  
Anthoula A. Argyri ◽  
Agapi I. Doulgeraki ◽  
Eftychia G. Varla ◽  
Vasiliki C. Bikouli ◽  
Pantelis I. Natskoulis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Inhibitory Concentration ◽  
Plant Origin ◽  
Bacterial Isolates ◽  
Origanum Vulgare ◽  
Heritage Sites ◽  
Fungal Isolates ◽  
Satureja Thymbra

The present study concerns the serious issue of biodeterioration of the caves belonging to natural and cultural heritage sites due to the development of various microorganisms. Thus, a series of 18 essential oils (EOs) extracted from various Greek plants were evaluated in vitro (concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0% v/v) against 35 bacterial and 31 fungi isolates (isolated from a Greek cave) and the antimicrobial activity was evident through the changes in optical density of microbial suspensions. In continuance, eight (8) representative bacterial and fungal isolates were further used to evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and non-inhibitory concentration (NIC) values of the most effective EOs. According to the results, two EOs of Origanum vulgare were the most effective by inhibiting the growth of all the tested microorganisms at 0.1% (v/v), followed by that of Satureja thymbra which inhibited all bacterial isolates at 0.1% (v/v) and fungal isolates at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5% (v/v) (depending on the isolate). The MIC ranged between 0.015–0.157 and 0.013–0.156 (v/v) for the bacterial and fungal isolates respectively, depending on the case. The current study demonstrated that conventional biocides may be replaced by herbal biocides with significant prospects for commercial exploitation.

scholarly journals Essential oils in the control of dry bubble disease in white button mushroom

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamara Leite dos Santos ◽  
Leônidas Leoni Belan ◽  
Diego Cunha Zied ◽  
Eustáquio Souza Dias ◽  
Eduardo Alves
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Thymus Vulgaris ◽  
Good Growth ◽  
Syzygium Aromaticum ◽  
Cinnamon Oil ◽  
In Vivo Experiments ◽  
Dry Bubble ◽  
Dry Bubble Disease

ABSTRACT: Lecanicillium fungicola, which causes Dry bubble disease, induces infections and inflicts major losses in champignon production. The control can be managed through measures of hygiene and use of fungicides; however, in Brazil there are no registered products. This study aimed to estimate the influence of various essential oils extracted from Melissa officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, Eucalyptus globulus, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Syzygium aromaticum on the in vitro development and their uses. Therefore, analysis was performed of the L. fungicola isolates in vitro and the best oils were tested in vivo. Besides, the Agaricus bisporus - L. fungicola interaction was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cinnamon and clove oils in concentrations of 0.4% and thyme oil of 0.8% were identified as good growth inhibitors of the pathogenic mycelium. Effective inhibition of the conidial germination was seen in all concentrations by cinnamon oil, and by clove and thyme oils only at 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively. When the essential oils were applied post-infestation in the in vivo experiments the incidence of the disease in the mushrooms was much lower. From the SEM it was clear that 19 hours after the inoculation of A. bisporus with L. fungicola, the spores had already completely germinated, revealing the presence of the infection. Therefore, the findings of this study indicated that the oil extracts of cinnamon, clove and thyme are potential and efficient alternatives in the control of dry bubble disease.

scholarly journals Thymus vulgaris (red thyme) and Caryophyllus aromaticus (clove) essential oils to control spoilage microorganisms in pork under modified atmosphere

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena D'Amato ◽  
Giovanni Mazzarrino ◽  
Chiara Rossi ◽  
Annalisa Serio ◽  
Clemencia Chaves López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Antimicrobial Effect ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Thymus Vulgaris ◽  
Meat Production ◽  
Modified Atmosphere ◽  
Fresh Meat ◽  
The Matrix

In recent years, it has been confirmed that essential oils (EOs) exert antimicrobial activity as they are able to inhibit cell growth and inactivate microbial cells. The application of biopreservation strategies by means of EOs opens up interesting perspectives in the food industry, including meat production. The paper aims to evaluate the effects of <em>Thymus vulgaris</em> (red thyme) and <em>Caryophyllus aromaticus</em> (cloves) EOs on the development of the spoilage population of fresh pork packaged under modified atmosphere (MAP). In particular, the research was focused on <em>Brochothrix thermosphacta</em>, a specific spoilage microorganism of fresh meat packed in anaerobic conditions or under MAP. Amongst seven EOs, those that showed the highest antimicrobial activity on 5 <em>B. thermosphacta</em> strains <em>in vitro</em> were: cloves [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 0.6-2.5 mg/mL], savory (MIC 2.5-5.0 mg/mL), and red thyme (MIC 2.5 to 20 mg/mL). Red thyme and cloves EOs were selected for meat treatment, by increasing the dose at 20 and 40 mg/mL respectively, to take into account the matrix effect that can reduce EO availability. In spite of the minor efficacy observed <em>in vitro</em>, 40 mg/mL red thyme EO strongly limited the growth of <em>B. thermosphacta</em> in pork samples up to day 6 of storage [below 3.0 Log colony forming unit (CFU)/g, starting from 2.0 Log CFU/g at time 0], and exerted an antimicrobial effect also on the aerobic mesophilic count. Good results were obtained also with 20 mg/mL red thyme EO. The control of <em>B. thermosphacta</em> growth through EOs encourages research on alternative methods for extending the shelf life of fresh meat under MAP.

scholarly journals Thymus vulgaris Essential Oil and Hydro-Alcoholic Solutions to Counteract Wooden Artwork Microbial Colonization

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 8704
Author(s):  
Silvia Sparacello ◽  
Giuseppe Gallo ◽  
Teresa Faddetta ◽  
Bartolomeo Megna ◽  
Giovanna Nicotra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Antimicrobial Activities ◽  
Alcoholic Solution ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Supplementary Information ◽  
Thymus Vulgaris ◽  
Sabouraud Agar ◽  
Agar Disc ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industries

Aromatic plants represent a source of natural products with medicinal properties, and are also utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Recently, the need for eco-compatible and non-toxic products, safe for both the environment and human health, have been proposed for the sustainable conservation of historic–artistic artifacts. In this study, in order to counteract microbial colonization (Aspergillus sp., Streptomyces sp., Micrococcus sp.) on wooden artwork surfaces, Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) essential oil (EO) and hydro-alcoholic (HA) solutions were applied in a polyphasic approach. The antimicrobial activities of EO and HA solutions were preliminarily assessed by agar disc diffusion (ADD) and well plate diffusion (WPD) in vitro methods, defining the specific concentration useful for bacterial and fungal genera, identified by optical microscopies, in vitro cultures (nutrient or Sabouraud agar), and DNA base molecular biology investigations. Specifically, the microbial patina was directly removed by a hydro-alcoholic solution (while evaluating the potential colorimetric change of the artwork’s surface) combined with exposure to EO volatile compounds, performed in a dedicated “clean chamber”. This study proposes, for the first time, the combined use of two plant extracts to counteract microbial development on wooden artworks, providing supplementary information on these products as bio-agents.

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