Juniperus communis essential oil limit the biofilm formation of Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare on polystyrene in a temperature-dependent manner.

Dolores Peruč, Brigita Tićac, Dalibor Broznić, Željka Maglica, Mladenka Šarolić, Ivana Gobin

International journal of environmental health research 2022 Jan

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Formation of biofilms allows bacterial cells to survive in adverse environments. Nontuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous in aqueous environments, where they adhere to surfaces and create a biofilm. This has led to the emergence of healthcare-associated infections and the use of biomaterials in medicine. Essential oils (EO) are substances of natural origin whose effect on microorganisms has been the subject of numerous studies. Here, we investigated the effect of Juniperus communis EO on nontuberculous mycobacteria and their early and mature biofilm formation in sterilised tap water. The combination of Juniperus communis EO and increasing ambient temperature showed a synergistic effect on the reduction of biofilm formation of Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare on a polystyrene surface. A significant antibiofilm effect of Juniperus communis EO was also found at subinhibitory concentrations, suggesting a potential role for it as an alternative disinfectant of natural water.

Citation

Dolores Peruč, Brigita Tićac, Dalibor Broznić, Željka Maglica, Mladenka Šarolić, Ivana Gobin. Juniperus communis essential oil limit the biofilm formation of Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare on polystyrene in a temperature-dependent manner. International journal of environmental health research. 2022 Jan;32(1):141-154