Thymol-Nanoparticles as Effective Biocides against the Quarantine Pathogen <i>Xylella fastidiosa</i>

Quarantine pathogens require the investigation of new tools for effective plant protection. In particular, research on sustainable agrochemicals is the actual challenge. Plant extracts, essential oils, and gels are natural sources of efficient biocides, such as aromatic secondary metabolites. Thymol...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Francesca Baldassarre, Daniele Schiavi, Serena Ciarroni, Vincenzo Tagliavento, Angelo De Stradis, Viviana Vergaro, Gian Paolo Suranna, Giorgio Mariano Balestra, Giuseppe Ciccarella
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-04-01
Series:Nanomaterials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/13/7/1285
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Summary:Quarantine pathogens require the investigation of new tools for effective plant protection. In particular, research on sustainable agrochemicals is the actual challenge. Plant extracts, essential oils, and gels are natural sources of efficient biocides, such as aromatic secondary metabolites. Thymol is the major phenolic constituent of thyme and oregano essential oils, and it can inhibit many pathogenic microbes. Thymol nanoparticles were obtained through adsorption on CaCO<sub>3</sub> nanocrystals, exploiting their carrier action. High loading efficiency and capability were reached as verified through UV and TGA measurements. We report the first study of thymol effect on <i>Xylella fastidiosa,</i> conducing both fluorometric assay and in vitro inhibition assay. The first test confirmed the great antibacterial effect of this compound. Finally, an in vitro test revealed an interesting synergistic action of thymol and nanocarriers, suggesting the potential application of thymol-nanoparticles as effective biocides to control <i>Xylella fastidiosa</i> infection.
ISSN:2079-4991