ABSTRACT The objective of the study was to determine the antimicrobial activity antibiofilm and to identify the main components of the essential oil (EO) obtained from the leaves of Cymbopogon flexuosus. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activity was determined against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19117. The effect of EO on biofilm was evaluated by quantifying viable cell number (CFU) and biomass by crystal violet (CV) analysis. The composition of the essential oils was determined by GC / FID and GC / MS. The results showed action against L. monocytogenes, S. aureus and S. Typhimurium with MIC and MBC values of 3.9 μL mL-1, thus showing satisfactory antimicrobial activity, given this was the lowest concentration tested. For the antibiofilm activity, a significant reduction (P < 0.05) was observed for S. typhimurium and S. aureus. Biofilm biomass significantly reduced only for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. EO presented the geranial and neral isomers as major components.

RESUMO: Os biofilmes são responsáveis pela maior parte da interferência causada pelos micro-organismos no processamento de alimentos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a atividade anti-biofilme do óleo essencial de canela (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) e do composto majoritário eugenol. As concentrações utilizadas de óleo essencial foram de 0,0% (controle), 0,12%; 0,48%; 0,96% e 1,92%; a concentração de eugenol foi de 0,76%. As concentrações foram determinadas a partir de outros estudos publicados. Determinou-se o número de células viáveis e quantificou-se a biomassa bacteriana. O tratamento anti-biofilme foi eficaz na prevenção e formação de biofilmes. A concentração de 1,92% foi satisfatória, com redução de 5,91log CFUcm-2 de células viáveis em biofilme de Escherichia coli e redução de 5,17log CFU cm-2 de Staphylococcus aureus. A biomassa de ambas bactérias foi reduzida significativamente (P<0,05), entretanto, o tratamento sanitizante não foi eficaz na redução da biomassa. Diante dos resultados, o óleo essencial de canela e eugenol podem ser alternativas promissoras no controle de biofilmes.

ABSTRACT: Biofilms are responsible for most of the interference caused by microorganisms in food processing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) essential oil and eugenol sanitizer and anti-biofilm activity against biofilms. Concentrations used of essential oil were 0.0% (control) 0.12%; 0.48%; 0.96% and 1.92%; the amount of eugenol was 0.76%. Concentrations were determined from other published studies. Number of viable cells and quantification the bacterial biomass were determined. Anti-biofilm treatment was effective in preventing the formation of biofilms. The 1.92% concentration was the most satisfactorily with Escherichia coli reduction of 5.91log CFUcm-2 and Staphylococcus aureus reduction of 5.17log CFUcm-2 (P<0.05) biomass of the two bacteria. Sanitizing treatment was not effective in reducing biomass. Seen this, the cinnamon and eugenol essential oil may be promising alternatives for controlling biofilms.