Quorum-Quenching Activity of Myrtus communis Corsican Essential Oil Against the Marine Bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The quorum-quenching activity of essential oils (EOs) from Corsican aromatic plants was evaluated using the marine bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri as a model system. Among the eleven EOs screened, Myrtus communis EO showed significant interference with QS-regulated phenotypes (swimming motility, bioluminescence, and biofilm formation). Its activity was compared to Origanum vulgaris EO, known for its high carvacrol content and potent QS inhibition. The fractionation of M. communis EO revealed that its most polar fractions exhibited comparable levels of QS-disrupting activity. These chromatographic fractions significantly affected QS-controlled traits, indicating that minor or less volatile compounds may contribute to, or enhance, the overall bioactivity. Furthermore, M. communis EO and its polar fractions displayed stronger anti-QS effects against A. fischeri than O. vulgaris EO. These results highlight M. communis EO as a promising source of natural QS inhibitors and underscore the importance of exploring both complete EOs and their active fractions. This study supports the valorization of Mediterranean endemic flora as a reservoir of bioactive compounds, tested on a model system A. fischeri, and encourages future research on the potential of Myrtus communis against clinical bacterial isolates and the development of novel anti-virulence strategies.
Source: Microorganisms
Authors: Elisa Hardy, Jean-Pierre Poli, Ange Bighelli, Mathieu Paoli, Thomas Maroselli, Liliane Berti, Elodie Guinoiseau
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W4411092763