Models of evaluation of antimicrobial activity of essential oils in vapour phase: a promising use in healthcare decontamination

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi are a constant concern in the health system. In this respect the decontamination of hospital environments is a control measure which decreases the reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms and their transmission. For that reason new products have been developed such as antimicrobial surfaces that prevent microbial contamination and cleaning vapour systems, in search of a potent disinfection method more friendly to the environment, less toxic, safer and biodegradable. In this way has been considered the use of microbicidal essential oils (EOs) in vapour-phase as an interesting alternative in the development of hospital decontamination devices. Although in vitro antimicrobial activity of EOs have been demonstrated, there are no standardized tests to evaluate these products in vapour-phase, the aim of this review is to present the different evaluation methods that have been used to establish the activity of the vapours of EOs and other disinfectants, with the purpose of provide a rational approach to the research, development and implementation of new biocide agents based on this natural product for cleaning in hospitals and healthcare