| Abstract [eng] |
The increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics and the risks to human health posed by synthetic cleaners have prompted the search for alternative, safer and bioactive substances. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of essential oils as active agents in alternative surface cleaners, particularly for the control of microbiological contamination in laboratory and healthcare environments. In this work, the chemical composition of the essential oils of the patchouli (lot. Pogostemon cablin Benth.), orange lemon (lot. Citrus sinensis L.) and Texas cedar (lot. Juniperus mexicana Schiede.) was analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, and the main active compounds identified. The main components of true patchouli are patchouli alcohol 25.47 %, α-guaiene 15.12 %, α-bulnesene 18.84 %. The main constituents of Texas cedarwood essential oil are: thujopsene 34.99 %, cedrol 20.52 % and α-cedrene 15.83 %. The main constituent of orange lemon essential oil is limonene 95.37 %. The antibacterial and fungicidal activity of the essential oils against pathogens has been evaluated and tested. Due to the low antimicrobial activity of Texas cedarwood essential oil, it was not used for further studies. Based on the results obtained for the essential oils and the literature analysis, alternative cleaning agents were formulated and their effects against pathogens were verified experimentally. The studies showed that the surfactants in the cleaner synergistically contributed to the enhanced inhibition of pathogens by the essential oils of pathogenic patchouli and orange lemon tree. Bacterial and yeast cultures showed a strong increase in pathogen susceptibility. The results of the study suggest that this type of cleaners may be useful in reducing microbial contamination of surfaces and the spread of infections, while minimizing the health and environmental risks of chemical use. |
