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Published on: December 27, 2016
Effect of Mauritia flexuosa L. leaf extract on Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus haemolyticus biofilms adhered
E G A Mariano1, A G F Michel1, F Morais-Costa1
1Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Montes Claros, MG, Brasil.
Abstract:
Staphylococcus spp. represents the main mastitis agents in ruminants and contaminants of milk due to their expressive capacity to make biofilms. The aims in this study was evaluate evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Mauritia flexuosa L. extracts against Staphylococcus spp. adhered to a stainless steel surface. Two isolates from cows with clinical mastitis were evaluated; one was identified as Staphylococcus aureus, and the other Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Additionally the ATCC 25923 strain, S. aureus from human was evaluated. The chemical profile obtained from gas chromatography revealed the presence of carbohydrates, organic acids, and flavonoids. The minimum bactericidal concentrations of the ethanolic extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE) were 4.4 and 5.82 mg/mL, respectively. After EE treatment at 4.4 mg/mL for 2.5 min, total removal of mature biofilms grown on stainless steel coupons was observed (reduction by 3.85-4.81 log units). This extract from M. flexuosa shows potential as an effective sanitizer and may represent a natural alternative against Staphylococcus spp.
Insights
Mauritia flexuosa L. extracts demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus spp. biofilms on stainless steel. The ethanolic extract effectively eradicated mature biofilms, offering a natural alternative for sanitation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Food Safety
Background:
- Staphylococcus spp. are primary mastitis pathogens in ruminants and milk contaminants.
- These bacteria readily form biofilms, complicating eradication efforts.
- Stainless steel surfaces in dairy environments are prone to Staphylococcus spp. colonization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of Mauritia flexuosa L. extracts against Staphylococcus spp. biofilms.
- To determine the potential of M. flexuosa L. as a natural sanitizer for dairy equipment.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial activity testing of ethanolic (EE) and aqueous (AE) M. flexuosa L. extracts.
- Gas chromatography analysis for chemical profiling of the extracts.
- Biofilm eradication assays on stainless steel coupons using Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolates.
Main Results:
- The ethanolic extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE) exhibited minimum bactericidal concentrations of 4.4 mg/mL and 5.82 mg/mL, respectively.
- Treatment with EE at 4.4 mg/mL for 2.5 minutes resulted in complete removal of mature Staphylococcus spp. biofilms.
- Gas chromatography revealed carbohydrates, organic acids, and flavonoids in the M. flexuosa L. extracts.
Conclusions:
- Mauritia flexuosa L. extracts possess significant antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus spp. biofilms.
- The ethanolic extract of M. flexuosa L. is a promising natural agent for eradicating biofilms on stainless steel surfaces.
- M. flexuosa L. extracts represent a potential natural alternative to conventional sanitizers in the dairy industry.

