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Updated: Jul 11, 2025
Author Spotlight: An Antimicrobial Fabric Using Nano-Herbal Encapsulation of Essential Oils
Published on: April 7, 2023
Exploring the Antimicrobial Properties of 99 Natural Flavour and Fragrance Raw Materials against Pathogenic Bacteria:
Zuzanna Bacińska1,2, Kinga Baberowska1,3, Alicja Karolina Surowiak1
1Department of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wyb. Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland.
Abstract:
Currently, one of the most serious global problems is the increasing incidence of infectious diseases. This is closely related to the increase in antibiotic use, which has resulted in the development of multidrug resistance in microorganisms. Another problem is the numerous microbiological contaminations of cosmetic products, which can lead to dangerous bacterial infections in humans. Natural fragrance raw materials exhibit a wide spectrum of biological properties, including antimicrobial properties. Despite their prevalence and availability on the commercial market, there is little research into their effects on multidrug-resistant microorganisms. This study examines the inhibitory effect of natural substances on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. For this purpose, screening and appropriate assays were carried out to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of individual substances, using the alamarBlueTM reagent. The lowest MIC values were observed for Staphylococcus aureus (black seed (Nigella sativa) expressed oil, MIC = 25 µg/mL), Kocuria rhizophila (fir balsam absolute, MIC = 12.5 µg/mL), and Pseudomonas putida (cubeb oil and fir balsam absolute, MIC = 12.5 µg/mL). The most resistant Gram-negative species was Enterobacter gergoviae, while Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most resistant Gram-positive species.
Insights
Natural fragrance oils show promise in combating multidrug-resistant bacteria. Black seed and fir balsam oils effectively inhibited common bacterial strains, offering potential for new antimicrobial solutions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Increasing infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance pose global health challenges.
- Microbial contamination in cosmetics presents risks of bacterial infections.
- Natural fragrance materials possess antimicrobial properties needing further investigation against resistant strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of natural fragrance substances against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of selected natural compounds.
- To explore natural alternatives for controlling multidrug-resistant microorganisms.
Main Methods:
- Screening of natural fragrance raw materials for antimicrobial activity.
- Determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the alamarBlue™ assay.
- Testing against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species.
Main Results:
- Black seed (Nigella sativa) oil showed an MIC of 25 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus.
- Fir balsam absolute exhibited MICs of 12.5 µg/mL against Kocuria rhizophila and Pseudomonas putida.
- Cubeb oil also demonstrated an MIC of 12.5 µg/mL against Pseudomonas putida.
Conclusions:
- Natural fragrance substances, including black seed and fir balsam oils, possess significant antimicrobial activity.
- These natural compounds are effective against specific multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.
- Further research into natural antimicrobials is crucial for addressing antibiotic resistance and cosmetic contamination.
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