| Author: | Tam, May-nar |
| Title: | A comparison on the disinfecting effect of patchouli essential oil and Clorox(R) for gram positive and gram negative bacteria |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2008 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations. Disinfection and disinfectants. |
| Department: | School of Nursing |
| Pages: | vi, 50 leaves ; 30 cm. |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Introduction. Although patchouli essential oils are known for their antimicrobial properties, hospital and household settings rarely use them as disinfectants. This is primarily due to the paucity of research available to show the quantitative bactericidal potency of patchouli essential oil and lack of availability of commercial products. Aim. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the effectiveness of diluted patchouli essential oil and Clorox(R) against gram- positive and gram-negative bacteria. Method. An experimental study on the effectiveness of diluted patchouli essential oil used as a disinfectant against gram positive and gram negative bacteria was performed. A modified method of testing based on the "Standard Quantitative Carrier Test Method" was used to test three kinds of bacteria: Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Escherichia coli (E.coli) in two different material surface areas: plastic and metal. The test was conducted in the Biosafety Level 2 (BSL- 2) Laboratory of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Results. In this study, the results show that use of 1% Clorox(R)(500ppm) produces 100% reduction in MRSA, E.coli and SA, whereas 1% patchouli essential oil produced 90-100% reduction, depending on the surface areas, for the three kinds of bacteria. Significance. These results support the notion that, in addition to the already commonly used Clorox(R) patchouli essential oils may also be used as disinfectants against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Discussion. Although the results are very limited, as only a single brand of patchouli essential oil was tested on three kinds of bacteria in two different surface areas, they can act as an important marker for future research and development of essential oils as surface disinfectants for hospital and household use. Conclusions. Based on the results of this study, Clorox(R) has potent effect of disinfection for MRSA, E.coli and SA but it is hazardous to human health. Patchouli oil, on the other hand has potential disinfection effect against various bacteria, especially MRSA, E.coli and SA, in the hard surface areas and shows no harmful effects when used properly. Recommendations. It is recommended that further research into the disinfection effect of patchouli to be conducted on different organisms and different materials and using extended contact time and concentrations of patchouli essential oil. In the future, commercial disinfection product should be developed based on the results of testing on essential oils. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b2305508x.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 1.19 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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