Plants have evolved a complex arsenal of chemical defense against microbes, pests and even large herbivores (e.g., terpenes). The possibility of translating some of these defensive capacities in a way that mimic natural plant responses to microbial threat is an exciting research prospect. It could afford a safe and natural solution to indoor bioaerosol problem. Airborne bacteria, mold and fungal spores, and viruses are common indoors. They can cause respiratory tract and lung irritations, sickness and in some cases death. They are also important sources of malodor. Many of the active molecules responsible for antimicrobial defense in plants are found in essential oils (EO) that are an important part of traditional pharmacopoeia in both occidental and oriental cultures. EO presents different modes of action against microorganisms resulting in higher efficacy while preventing microbial resistance and adaptation.  This work screened more 40 common essential oils for their bactericidal activity in liquid and vapor phases. Four candidate essential oils with best vapor phase bactericidal activities were further tested for their sporicidal activity against B. subtilis endospores and Cladosporium spores. The essential oil was gelled and captured within an inorganic SiO2 network that allowed for the controlled dosing of the essential oil. The bactericidal and sporicidal activity of the essential oil gel was investigated in chamber and field test studies. The gel can maintain antimicrobial activity over a 9-week field test period. A linear dosing rate was achieved and the dose was controlled to achieve high antimicrobial activity (3 log reduction), while maintaining low toxicity, inflammatory and ROS response in mammalian cells.

Investigation of the antimicrobial properties of essential oil gel

248th National Meeting (2014)

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