Antimicrobial Activities of Starch-Based Biopolymers and Biocomposites Incorporated with Plant Essential Oils: A Review

Recently, many scientists and polymer engineers have been working on eco-friendly materials for starch-based food packaging purposes, which are based on biopolymers, due to the health and environmental issues caused by the non-biodegradable food packaging. However, to maintain food freshness and quality, it is necessary to choose the correct materials and packaging technologies. On the other hand, the starch-based film’s biggest flaws are high permeability to water vapor transfer and the ease of spoilage by bacteria and fungi. One of the several possibilities that are being extensively studied is the incorporation of essential oils (EOs) into the packaging material. The EOs used in food packaging films actively prevent inhibition of bacteria and fungi and have a positive effect on food storage. This work intended to present their mechanical and barrier properties, as well as the antimicrobial activity of anti-microbacterial agent reinforced starch composites for extending product shelf life. A better inhibition of zone of antimicrobial activity was observed with higher content of essential oil. Besides that, the mechanical properties of starch-based polymer was slightly decreased for tensile strength as the increasing of essential oil while elongation at break was increased. The increasing of essential oil would cause the reduction of the cohesion forces of polymer chain, creating heterogeneous matrix and subsequently lowering the tensile strength and increasing the elongation (E%) of the films. The present review demonstrated that the use of essential oil represents an interesting alternative for the production of active packaging and for the development of eco-friendly technologies.

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In VitroAntimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil ofThymus schimperi,Matricaria chamomilla,Eucalyptus globulus, andRosmarinus officinalis

International Journal of Microbiology ◽

10.1155/2016/9545693 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Awol Mekonnen ◽

Berhanu Yitayew ◽

Alemnesh Tesema ◽

Solomon Taddese

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Diffusion Method ◽

Drug Preparation ◽

Bacteria And Fungi

In this study, thein vitroantimicrobial activities of four plant essential oils (T. schimperi,E. globulus,R. officinalis, andM. Chamomilla) were evaluated against bacteria and fungi. The studies were carried out using agar diffusion method for screening the most effective essential oils and agar dilution to determine minimum inhibitory concentration of the essential oils. Results of this study revealed that essential oils ofT. schimperi,E. globulus, andR. officinaliswere active against bacteria and some fungi. The antimicrobial effect ofM. chamomillawas found to be weaker and did not show any antimicrobial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration values ofT. schimperiwere<15.75 mg/mL for most of the bacteria and fungi used in this study. The minimum inhibitory concentration values of the other essential oils were in the range of 15.75–36.33 mg/mL against tested bacteria. This study highlighted the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil ofE. globulus,M. chamomilla,T. Schimperi, andR. officinalis. The results indicated thatT. schimperihave shown strong antimicrobial activity which could be potential candidates for preparation of antimicrobial drug preparation.

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Antimicrobial Activities of Sesquiterpene-Rich Essential Oils of Two Medicinal Plants, Lannea egregia and Emilia sonchifolia, from Nigeria

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants10030488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 488

Author(s):

Akintayo L. Ogundajo ◽

Tolulope Ewekeye ◽

Olubunmi J. Sharaibi ◽

Moses S. Owolabi ◽

Noura S. Dosoky ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mass Spectrometry ◽

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Antifungal Agents ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽

Southwestern Nigeria ◽

Leaf Essential Oil ◽

Bacteria And Fungi

Lannea egregia (Anacardiaceae) and Emilia sonchifolia (Asteraceae) are plants used in traditional medicine in southwestern Nigeria. The essential oils from the leaves of L. egregia and E. sonchifolia were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Both essential oils were dominated by sesquiterpenoids. The major components in L. egregia leaf essential oil were α-panasinsen (34.90%), (E)-caryophyllene (12.25%), α-copaene (11.39%), and selina-4,11-diene (9.29%), while E. sonchifolia essential oil was rich in γ-himachalene (25.16%), (E)-caryophyllene (15.72%), and γ-gurjunene (8.58%). The essential oils were screened for antimicrobial activity against a panel of bacteria and fungi and displayed minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 156 μg/mL to 625 μg/mL. Based on these results, either L. egregia or E. sonchifolia essential oil may be recommended for exploration as complementary antibacterial or antifungal agents.

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Synergistic Antimicrobial Activities of Combinations of Vanillin and Essential Oils of Cinnamon Bark, Cinnamon Leaves and Cloves

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods10061406 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 1406

Author(s):

Rita Cava-Roda ◽

Amaury Taboada-Rodríguez ◽

Antonio López-Gómez ◽

Ginés Benito Martínez-Hernández ◽

Fulgencio Marín-Iniesta

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Food Packaging ◽

Antimicrobial Effect ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Inhibitory Effects ◽

Cinnamon Bark ◽

E Coli ◽

Pure Compounds ◽

Main Component

Plant bioactive compounds have antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that allow them to be used as a substitute for synthetic chemical additives in both food and food packaging. To improve its sensory and bactericidal effects, its use in the form of effective combinations has emerged as an interesting possibility in the food industry. In this study, the antimicrobial activities of essential oils (EOs) of cinnamon bark, cinnamon leaves, and clove and the pure compounds vanillin, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde were investigated individually and in combination against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7. The possible interactions of combinations of pure compounds and EOs were performed by the two-dimensional checkerboard assay and isobologram methods. Vanillin exhibited the lowest antimicrobial activity (MIC of 3002 ppm against L. monocytogenes and 2795 ppm against E. coli O157:H7), while clove and cinnamon bark EOs exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity (402–404 against L. monocytogenes and 778–721 against E. coli O157:H7). For L. monocytogenes, pure compound eugenol, the main component of cinnamon leaves and clove, showed lower antimicrobial activity than EOs, which was attributed to the influence of the minor components of the EOs. The same was observed with cinnamaldehyde, the main component of cinnamon bark EO. The combinations of vanillin/clove EO and vanillin/cinnamon bark EO showed the most synergistic antimicrobial effect. The combination of the EOs of cinnamon bark/clove and cinnamon bark/cinnamon leaves showed additive effect against L. monocytogenes but indifferent effect against E. coli O157:H7. For L. monocytogenes, the best inhibitory effects were achieved by cinnamon bark EO (85 ppm)/vanillin (910 ppm) and clove EO (121 ppm)/vanillin (691 ppm) combinations. For E. coli, the inhibitory effects of clove EO (104 ppm)/vanillin (1006 ppm) and cinnamon leaves EO (118 ppm)/vanillin (979 ppm) combinations were noteworthy. Some of the tested combinations increased the antimicrobial effect and would allow the effective doses to be reduced, thereby offering possible new applications for food and active food packaging.

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Impact of Altitudinal Variation on the Phytochemical Profile, Anthelmintic and Antimicrobial Activity of Two Pinus Species

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26113170 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (11) ◽

pp. 3170

Author(s):

Wafaa M. Elkady ◽

Mariam H. Gonaid ◽

Miriam F. Yousif ◽

Mahmoud El-Sayed ◽

Hind A. N. Omar

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Pinus Halepensis ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Anthelmintic Activity ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Pinus Pinea ◽

Active Components ◽

Pinus Species ◽

Bacteria And Fungi

Active components from natural sources are the current focus in most pharmacological research to provide new therapeutic agents for clinical use. Essential oils from the Pinus species have been traditionally used in medicine. This study aimed to investigate the chemical profile of two Pinus species, Pinus halepensis L. and Pinus pinea Mill, from different altitudes in Libya and study the effect of environmental conditions on the biological activities of essential oils. A clevenger apparatus was used to prepare the essential oils by hydrodistillation. Analyses were done using GC/MS. Anthelmintic and antimicrobial activities were tested against the earthworm Allolobophora caliginosa, gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi. Different chemical profiles were observed among all tested essential oils, and terpenes were the most dominant class. All studied essential oils from the Pinus species exhibited a remarkable anthelmintic activity compared to the standard piperazine citrate drug. Pinus halepensis from both altitudes showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms, while Pinus pinea was effective against only Escherichia coli. From these findings, one can conclude that there are variations between studied species. The essential oil compositions are affected by environmental factors, which consequently affect the anthelmintic and antimicrobial activity.

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Synergistic Effects of Essential Oils of Ammoides verticillata and Satureja candidissima Against Many Pathogenic Microorganisms

Anti-Infective Agents ◽

10.2174/2211352517666190227161811 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 72-78 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Fatima Benyoucef ◽

Mohammed El Amine Dib ◽

Boufeldja Tabti ◽

Arrar Zoheir ◽

Jean Costa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Synergistic Effects ◽

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus ◽

Salmonella Typhi ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Bacterial Strains ◽

Gram Negative ◽

Ammoides Verticillata

Background: Antibiotic resistance is today one of the most serious threats to global health, food security and development. Due to the growing number of infections, treatment becomes more difficult, if not impossible, because of the loss of antibiotic efficacy. Objective: In the present investigation, the chemical composition of essential oils of Ammoides verticillata and Satureja candidissima and their synergistic effects on antimicrobial activities were investigated. Methods: The chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was investigated using dilution-agar method against nine bacterial strains three Gram-negative Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Salmonella typhi (ATCC 14028), and six Gram-positive: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300,) Clostridium sporogenes (ATCC 19404), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 7314), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 53103) and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579). Results: The essential oil of A. verticillata was characterized principally by carvacrol (44,3%), Limonene (19,3%) and p-cymene (19,2%). The constituents identified of S. candidissima essential oil were principally oxygenated monoterpenes represented by pulegone (70,4%). The essential oil of A. verticillata had a good antimicrobial activity against four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bacillus cereus) with MIC and MBC values between 0.2-0.4 µl/ml and 0.2-6.2 µl/ml, respectively. While, S. candidissima essential oil had moderate antimicrobial activities against all strains with MIC and MBC values between 1.5-6.2 µl/ml and 6.2-12.5 µl/ml, respectively. The results of antimicrobial activity of essential oils blend presented higher antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria with MIC and MBC values between 0.3-1.5 µl/ml and 0.4-6.2 µl/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The essential oils blend presented high antimicrobial activity compared to virgin oils. This activity can be due to the association of active compounds such as carvacrol and pulegone. These findings provide a new source of drugs that may help in therapy to lead to the development of a new treatment based on a combination of these essential oils against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria that continue to pose a threat to public health.

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Screening of antimicrobial activity of essential oil and methanol extract of Satureja hortensis on foodborne bacteria and fungi

Czech Journal of Food Sciences ◽

10.17221/753-cjfs ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 25 (No. 2) ◽

pp. 81-89 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

A. Adiguzel ◽

H. Ozer ◽

H. Kilic ◽

B. Cetin

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Chemical Composition ◽

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Methanol Extract ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Satureja Hortensis ◽

Bacteria And Fungi

The present work reports the in vitro antimicrobial activities of the essential oil and methanol extract from Satureja hortensis as well as the content of its essential oil. The chemical composition of hydrodistilled essential oil of Satureja hortensis was analysed by means of GC-MS. Thirty constituents were identified. The main constituents of the oil were thymol (40.54%), γ-terpinene (18.56%), carvacrol (13.98%), and p-cymene (8.97). The essential oil of Satureja hortensis exhibited the activity against 25 bacteria, 8 fungi, and a yeast, C. albicans; exerting the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration values (MIC) ranging from 15.62 to 250 µl/ml. Similarly, methanol extract of the plant also showed antimicrobial activity.

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Antimicrobial activity of some Iranian medicinal plants

Archives of Biological Sciences ◽

10.2298/abs1003633g ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 62 (3) ◽

pp. 633-641 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Pirbalouti Ghasemi ◽

Parvin Jahanbazi ◽

Shekoofeh Enteshari ◽

Fatemeh Malekpoor ◽

Behzad Hamedi

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Medicinal Plants ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Food Preservation ◽

Arnebia Euchroma ◽

Agar Disc ◽

Satureja Bachtiarica ◽

Bacteria And Fungi

The major aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of the extracts of eight plant species which are endemic in Iran. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts of eight Iranian traditional plants, including Hypericum scabrum, Myrtus communis, Pistachia atlantica, Arnebia euchroma, Salvia hydrangea, Satureja bachtiarica, Thymus daenensis and Kelussia odoratissima, were investigated against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes and Candida albicans by agar disc diffusion and serial dilution assays. Most of the extracts showed a relatively high antimicrobial activity against all the tested bacteria and fungi. Of the plants studied, the most active extracts were those obtained from the essential oils of M. communis and T. daenensis. The MIC values for active extract and essential oil ranged between 0.039 and 10 mg/ml. It can be said that the extract and essential oil of some medicinal plants could be used as natural antimicrobial agents in food preservation. .

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Efficiency of Basil Essential Oil Antimicrobial Agents under Different Shading Treatments and Harvest Times

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy11081574 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 1574

Author(s):

Zoran S. Ilić ◽

Lidija Milenković ◽

Ljubomir Šunić ◽

Nadica Tmušić ◽

Jasna Mastilović ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Antimicrobial Activities ◽

Plant Production ◽

Exposure Control ◽

Harvest Time ◽

E Coli ◽

Growing Conditions

The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of essential oils obtained from sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. ‘Genovese’) cultivated in the open field under different shading conditions (red, blue, and pearl nets with a shade index of 50% and full sunlight exposure (control plants)), harvested at different times. The antimicrobial activity of basil essential oils (BEOs) obtained from all samples was determined for four microorganisms, while determinations for an additional five microorganisms included samples from non-shaded plants, plants grown under red and pearl nets, and second harvest of plants grown under blue net. Basil essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity surpassing the activity of relevant commercial antibiotics regardless of growing conditions in the case of B. cereus, K. pneumoniae and C. albicans, while superior antimicrobial activity was exhibited in the case of essential oils from plants grown under blue nets in the case of S. aureus, E. coli and P. vulgaris. The influence of the application of colored shading nets was highly significant (p < 0.01) in the cases of all analyzed microorganisms except C. albicans and P. aeruginosa, while the influence of harvest time was proven in the cases of all microorganisms except K. pneumoniae. ANOVA proved that antimicrobial activities are highly dependent on the methods of plant production, shading treatment, and harvest time. Obtained results are discussed in relation to previously determined composition and yield of essential oils from basil grown under shade nets and harvested in different periods.

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Chemical and Biological Studies of the Essential Oils of Micromelum hirsutum

Natural Product Communications ◽

10.1177/1934578x0700200614 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2 (6) ◽

pp. 1934578X0700200

Author(s):

Pham Thi Minh Diep ◽

Agata Maria Pawlowska ◽

Pier Luigi Cioni ◽

Do Huu Nghi ◽

Le Mai Huong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Cytotoxic Effect ◽

In Vitro Assay ◽

Vitro Assay ◽

Biological Studies ◽

Bacteria And Fungi ◽

Positive Results

Essential oils of the branches and leaves, flowers, and fruits of Micromelum hirsutum (Rutaceae) collected in Vietnam were investigated. Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS techniques. Essential oils yields were 0.07%, 0.125%, and 0.22% (w/w), respectively, and in each oil 43, 49, and 37 components were identified, comprising 86.0, 86.3, and 96.4% of the total amount, respectively. All the essential oils were screened for antimicrobial activity, showing positive results against various strains of bacteria and fungi. The essential oil of the flowers was also found to have cytotoxic effect against three cancer lines by in vitro assay.

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Inhibition of the Citrus Bacterial Pathogen Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri through Aloysia gratissima Essential Oil and Flourensia spp. Extracts and Prenylflavonoids

Current Bioactive Compounds ◽

10.2174/1573407218666211216105644 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 ◽

Author(s):

Miguel Ángel Castillo ◽

María Guadalupe Reyes ◽

Elsa Mónica Farfán Torres ◽

María Laura Uriburu

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Essential Oils ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Bacterial Pathogen ◽

Tween 80 ◽

Citrus Canker ◽

Xanthomonas Axonopodis ◽

Plant Essential Oils ◽

Pure Compounds

Background: Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri is a gram-negative bacterium that affects citrus crops, causing a disease known as citrus canker. Although essential oils and other compounds isolated from plants represent a natural alternative to treat this disease, they have the disadvantage of having low solubility in the media in which the bioassays to determine antimicrobial activity are performed. This has led several researchers to evaluate the solubility of plant essential oils in alternative solvents. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the solubility of the essential oil from Aloysia gratissima as well as that of low-polarity extracts and pure compounds of the genus Flourensia in diluted agar/Tween 80 solutions to test and improve their antimicrobial activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri. Methods: Antimicrobial activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri was determined by bioautography, agar diffusion, and microdilution methods. Results: The A. gratissima oil showed increased activity in the agar (0.15 % m/v)/Tween80 (0.5 % v/v) 1:1 mixture, with MIC values ranging from 75 to 100 µL/mL, while Flourensia spp. extracts were more soluble in agar solution (0.15 % m/v). The pure compounds tested presented MIC values ranging from 50 to 150 µg/mL. Conclusion: The proven antimicrobial activity of both Aloysia gratissima essential oil and Flourensia spp. extracts and pure compounds allows proposing these natural products as potential antimicrobial agents in the control of citrus canker.

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