Research on anti-quorum sensing effects of some essential oils and their combinations used in aromatherapy

Microorganisms are communities that use intercellular communication systems to facilitate adaptation to changing environmental conditions. This communication system, which enables intercellular communication, is called Quorum Sensing (QS) because it arises according to population density using small, naturally produced signal molecules called auto-inductors. Due to this successful cooperation of microorganisms and the resistance they develop against antibiotics, alternative approaches towards the elimination of the pathogenicity of bacteria have gained importance. The aim of our study is to investigate the antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and anti-QS effects of the essential oils most commonly used in aromatherapy and the combinations with codes GX and MX prepared for aromatherapeutic purposes. The effects of eleven essential oils and two essential oils combinations on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the biosensor strains for QS, Chromabacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 were compared with existing reference substances. As a result, our thesis study has shown that the selected essential oils and their combinations have antimicrobial, anti-QS, anti-biofilm effects in varying concentrations, so that aromatherapy is based on a scientific basis, and gave an idea that it will shed light on new studies and new treatment approaches against many factors that threaten human health.