168627 20260212205631.0 doi 10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.122479 sideral 148054 ART-2026-148054 eng Cebollada, Pilar Antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) essential oil and geraniol against Staphylococcus aureus strains 2026 Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) Wats, known as palmarosa, a perennial aromatic grass cultivated for its essential oil, represents a promising industrial crop widely used in perfumery, cosmetics, self-care products, and aromatherapy, with emerging applications in pharmaceutical formulations. This study investigates the chemical composition and antimicrobial potential of Cymbopogon martini essential oil and one of its main components, geraniol, against Staphylococcus aureus from clinical isolates and commercial sources. The effect upon planktonic state was assessed obtaining the MIC and MBC values. Biofilm viability and biomass were quantified using resazurin and crystal violet assays, respectively. Additionally, membrane disruption was explored as a potential mechanism of action. Potential toxicity was evaluated in A549 and HaCaT cell lines and in adult Artemia spp. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of geraniol as the major compound (75.29 %) but also other terpenes like geranyl acetate (10.39 %), (E)-β-caryophyllene (3.14 %), linalool (2.90 %) and trans-β-ocimene (1.36 %). The essential oil displayed lower MIC and MBC values (MIC: 300–350 µg ml−1; MBC: 400 µg ml−1-450 µg ml−1) than the pure geraniol (MIC: 500 µg ml−1; MBC: 550–600 µg ml−1). Results showed nearly 100 % inhibition of biofilm formation across tested concentrations (500 µg ml−1 to 1000 µg ml−1). Unlike vancomycin, the essential oil remained active in disrupting established S. aureus biofilms (IC₅₀ = 554.47 µg ml−1). No cytotoxicity was observed in human cells at the range of concentrations from 250 µg ml−1 to 1000 µg ml−1. These findings highlight Cymbopogon martini as a valuable industrial crop with potential as a plant-derived antibiofilm agent. Access copy available to the general public Unrestricted info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/B44-23R info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess by-nc-nd https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/deed.es info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion Reigada, Inés Alvarado, Elena Gerediaga, Candela Ylätalo, Maarit Seral, Cristina Universidad de Zaragoza (orcid)0000-0002-9742-1463 Hanski, Leena López, Víctor 1011 630 Universidad de Zaragoza Dpto. Microb.Ped.Radio.Sal.Pú. Área Microbiología 239 (2026), 122479 [8 pp.] Ind. crops prod. INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS 0926-6690 2272737 http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/168627/files/texto_completo.pdf Versión publicada 2626262 http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/168627/files/texto_completo.jpg?subformat=icon icon Versión publicada oai:zaguan.unizar.es:168627 articulos driver 2026-02-12-20:38:14 ARTICLE