The effect of some Algerian plant essential oils on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation and quorum sensing: in vitro and in silico studies

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it is more likely to cause illness in individuals with weakened immune systems or other compromised defences. An increase in the prevalence of multiple-drug-resistant P. aeruginosa in hospitals is thus a worldwide problem. This study investigated the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of four Algerian essential oils (EOs). The GC-MS analyses showed high contents of perillaldehyde (83.28%) in Ammodaucus leucotrichus (Coss. & Dur.) EO. While, Daucus carota (L.) contained geranyl acetate (40.75%) and α-pinene (25.13%) as major constituents. The main components of Artemisia herba-alba (Asso.) were α-thujone (25.40%), chrysanthenone (15.68%), camphe (14.31%), and β-thujone (12.58%). Whereas Juniperus phoenicea (L.) was mainly characterised by α-pinene (47.76%). A. leucotrichus EO showed the strongest antibacterial activity. This EO presented interesting activities for anti-biofilm and anti-virulence factors production. The docking results confirmed the experimental finding. These results suggest that A. leucotrichus EO warrants further exploration for its potential applications.