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Author Spotlight: An Antimicrobial Fabric Using Nano-Herbal Encapsulation of Essential Oils
Published on: April 7, 2023
Natural phenolics as multitarget antimicrobials for food preservation: mechanisms of action
Lei Zhao1, Ya Zhou2, Weiguo Yue1
1Henan Key Laboratory of Zhang Zhongjing Formulae and Herbs for Immunoregulation, Zhang Zhongjing College of Chinese Medicine, Nanyang Institute of Technology, Changjiang Road 80, Nanyang 473004, Henan, China.
Abstract:
Natural phenolics are emerging as promising clean-label antimicrobials, yet evidence for their multitarget mechanisms remains scattered. This review synthesizes 158 studies (2013-2025) on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and related pathogens. Three converging antibacterial targets are identified: ROS generation (72 % of phenolics), membrane disruption (58 %), and DNA interaction (41 %). Compounds such as bisdemethoxycurcumin, gallic acid, thymol, and Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) act across all targets, reducing bacterial counts by up to 4 log CFU/mL at ≤2 × MIC. A cascade mechanism is proposed: ROS triggers lipid peroxidation, weakening membranes, enhancing phenolic uptake, and accelerating DNA damage. Food matrix factors (pH, fat, water activity, microbiota) can suppress efficacy by up to 90 %. Emerging delivery strategies-nanoemulsions, biopolymer capsules, and active films-partially restore function. This review integrates molecular insights with food system data, offering a practical framework for designing robust phenolic-based antimicrobials.
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