Oregano and lavender essential oils as antioxidant and antimicrobial additives of biogenic gelatin films

J. F. MARTUCCI; L.B. GENDE; L.M. NEIRA; R. A. RUSECKAITE

Industrial Crops and Products

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2015

0926-6690

Abstract: The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from fullyformed, dried oregano leaves (Origanum vulgare) and lavender leaves and flowers (Lavandula Officinalis) were analyzed by GC-MS. The effectiveness of oregano (OEO) and lavender (LEO) essential oils and a mixture LEO:OEO (50:50) in inhibiting Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus growth were determined. Both essential oils inhibited the growth of the microorganisms tested, being more sensitive to gram-positive bacteria. OEO yielded the lowest values of minimum inhibitory concentration (MICOEO=1600-1800 ppm vs. MICLEO=2000 ppm against E. coli; MICOEO= 800-900 ppm vs. MICLEO=1000-1200 ppm against S. aureus), due to the higher content of phenolic compound, which also provides antioxidant capacity (IC50OEO=297±89 ppm vs. IC50LEO>>6000 ppm). Mixture results indicated an antagonist antimicrobial effect between OEO and LEO. Gelatin-based films added with OEO or LEO, were prepared by casting (2000-6000 ppm). Mechanical, optical and water vapor barrier properties were determined to observe film functionality. OEO effect on the functional properties of gelatin films was not significant. LEO, in the highest concentration analyzed, promotes a slight change in water vapor permeability of Ge-based films (1.46x10-13 to 6.8x10-14 Kg.m/Pa.s.m2), due to its high hydrophobic nature. Oregano containing gelatin films exhibited the highest antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.