Abstract

The interest of researchers in various areas has resulted in the investigation of different biofilm systems using a wide range of techniques. Biofilms are microbial communities consisting of mono or multi-species sessile cells, embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymers (exopolysaccharides-EPS) adhering to surfaces. In the food industry, the existence of biofilms is quite problematic, being responsible for the economic loss and contamination of food. Consequently, research involving the characterization of the ability of microbial biofilm formation is relevant for the subsequent studies using sanitizing and antibiotic agents for prevention or remediation of surfaces with already formed biofilms. This multidisciplinary study led to the description regarding the effect of antimicrobial solutions of essential oils of Syzygium aromaticum and Thymus vulgaris and their combination on biofilm formed by Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 on AISI 304 stainless steel and polypropylene surfaces. All sanitizing solutions showed antibacterial potential, being effective in reducing bacterial biofilms on these surfaces. The solution containing the combination of essential oils was the most efficient by reducing 7.38 and 6.58 Log CFU.cm^-2 of cells adhering on the surfaces of AISI 304 stainless steel and polypropylene, respectively, after 5 min of contact. Essential oils of S. aromaticum and T. vulgaris, alone or in combination, are new alternatives for disinfection of industrial stainless steel and polypropylene surfaces contaminated by S. aureus.

Key words: Antimicrobial effect, microorganism, Syzygium aromaticum, Thymus vulgaris.