Synergistic effect between Helichrysum italicum essential oil and cold nitrogen plasma against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms on different food-contact surfaces

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen in human, and the most diseases produced by S.aureus are associated with biofilms. Helichrysum italicum essential oil (EO), as a natural and safe spice, was employed to disperse S.aureus biofilm by cold nitrogen plasma (CNP) assist. After S.aureus biofilm formation on food container surfaces, they were exposed to CNP and then treated with Helichrysum italicumEO for biofilm dispersion. The population of S.aureus biofilm was approximately reduced by 2 logs after individual treatment of 0.5mgmL(-1)Helichrysum italicumEO or 400W CNP. Interestingly, the combined treatment of Helichrysum italicumEO (0.5mgmL(-1), 40min) and CNP (400W, 1min) reduced the S.aureus viable count in biofilm below 2 logs CFU per cm(2) after 1-day storage. Therefore, the synergetic treatment holds great promise to improve the current treatment systems of bacterial contamination on different food-contact surfaces.