Antimicrobial Effects of the Nanoemulsion of Rosemary Essential Oil Against Important Foodborne Pathogens

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of rosemary essential oil (REO) nanoemulsion against some important food borne pathogens.

Methods: Antibacterial effects of REO and REO nanoemulsion were determined using Agar disc diffusion, Broth microdilution and Steam phase diffusion methods against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shewanella SP, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enteritidis.

Results: Antibacterial effect of REO and REO nanoemulsion was increased with concentration enhancing of REO. There was no significant antibacterial activity in the effectiveness of nanoemulsion on the studied bacteria in comparison with REO in both disk diffusion and steam phase diffusion methods. MIC and MBC analysis of REO and prepared REO nanoemulsion showed that REO and its nanoemulsion have inhibited all studied bacteria. REO showed better inhibitory effects. REO and nanoemulsion of rosemary essential oil have the greatest effect on Shewanella SP., L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, S.enteritidis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa, respectively.

Conclusion: In total, it can be said that REO and its nanoemulsion are desirable to inhibit the growth of food borne pathogens and can be a good choice as antimicrobial agents in food industry to enhance safety and extend foods’ shelf life.