Investigation of the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of Hypericum perforatum L. extract on bacteria isolated from used cosmetic tools

Cosmetic products provide an ideal environment for pathogenic microbes, while using shared cosmetic tools elevates the risk of microbial cross-contamination, leading to various infections. This research investigates the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of Hypericum perforatum L. extract against bacteria isolated from cosmetic tools commonly used in Turkey. In this study, 40 cosmetic tools in total (foundation sponges, blush brushes, eyeshadow brushes, and lipstick brushes) obtained from various beauty salons located in Istanbul were analyzed. For bacterial identification, samples were inoculated onto selective media, including MacConkey, Eosin Methylene Blue, Mannitol Salt, and blood agar. Antibiotic tolerance microbial profiles were established by applying the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique against CTX (30 µg), GM (10 µg), SP (10 µg), CIP (5 µg), Augmentin (20/10 µg), TE (30 µg), AK (30 µg), CFZ (15 µg), and KF (30 µg). Additionally, the multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) was calculated to assess antibiotic insensitivity. Bacterial biofilm activity was determined using the crystal violet staining method. Bacterial growth was detected in 31 out of a total of 40 cosmetic tools (77.5%). The isolated bacteria were identified as 32.25% Gram-positive cocci, 22.59% Gram-negative bacilli, and 45.16% Gram-positive bacilli. 25.80% of the bacteria grew on oxacillin-supplemented MSA medium, confirming them as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Additionally, 70.97% of bacteria showed alpha hemolysis activity on blood agar. The maximum resistance against antibiotics was detected against CTX (30) at 41.93%, whereas bacteria were found to be susceptible to CIP (5), TE (30), AK (30), and CN (10). Pharmaceutical-grade H. perforatum L. extract exhibited 51.61% antibacterial and 60.23% antibiofilm activity, while the extract obtained from the local market showed 35.48% antibacterial and 87.55% antibiofilm activity. This investigation highlights the effects against bacterial growth and biofilm formation properties of H. perforatum L. extract, suggesting its potential use as an alternative for preventing infections associated with cosmetic tools.]