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.

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.