Óleo essencial de pimenta rosa (Schinus terebinthifolius RADDI): atividade antimicrobiana e aplicação como componente ativo em filme para bioconservação de alimentos

Abstract

The use of natural preservatives as well as active packaging has sparked interest in the food industry. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antimicrobial characteristics of the essential oil of pink pepper (PPEO) and to use it as an active component in the elaboration of films for application in the development of bioconservant packaging for food. Through the chromatographic analysis (GC/MS) 18 compounds, 4 monoterpenes and 14 sesquiterpenes were detected, of which β- myrcene (41%), β-cuvebene (12%) and Limonene (9%) were the majority. In the antimicrobial activity of PPEO in agar and broth, action was observed against five pathogenic bacteria. The MIC for S. aureus and L. monocytogenes was 0.68 and 1.36 mg/mL, and the MBC was 2.72 mg/mL for both. In micro-atmosphere the reduction was 100% in the development of S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, and 16 and 15% for E. coli and S. Typhimurium. The contact time required for MBC to act on Gram positive bacteria was lower than the 12 h period, and Gram negative bacteria were not inhibited. In addition, changes in the permeability and integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane of all evaluated bacteria were observed, indicating that damage in the cellular envelope is one of its mechanisms of action. PPEO was applied as an active component in cellulose acetate films evaluated in vitro (agar, broth and micro-atmosphere) and in situ (sliced mozzarella cheese) against pathogenic bacteria. It was found that concentrations of 2, 4 and 6% PPEO in the polymer matrix conferred activity on all média evaluated against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. Escherichia coli was sensitive in liquid medium and in microatmosphere, while S. Typhimurium showed no sensitivity to antibacterial films. In situ inhibition has demonstrated that the affinity between the OEPR apolar molecules and the lipid components of the cheese allows migration of the OE from the interior of the polymer to the surface and facilitates its dispersion in the food, indicating its favorable application as an active packaging. Keywords: Essential oil; Antibacterial activity;