Evaluation of the Cleaning Effect of Natural-Based Biocides: Application on Different Phototropic Biofilms Colonizing the Same Granite Wall

Natural derivatives, such as essential oils, are presented an alternative to classical biocides the treatment of biocolonization. Thus, in this work, cleaning and biocidal potential some natural derivatives towards two biofilms’ growth on same granite wall, with different microbial composition, was evaluated. For purpose, three oils (EOs) (from Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris Calamintha nepeta) their main active principles (APs) (carvacrol, thymol R-(+)-pulegone, respectively) were embedded a hydrogel matrix, combinations EOs APs, order evaluate synergistic action actives. comparative purposes, pure mechanical method (brushing) also used. Colorimetric measurements chlorophyll fluorescence analyses performed treatments biofilms. Overall, APs present proved be reliable limit biocolonization, O. vulgare being one most effective combination other compounds, due majority presence carvacrol. Moreover, effect strictly depended biofilm question, well its ability adhere substrate.