Di Rosario, Martina (2025) Plant-derived antimicrobials against foodborne and ESKAPE pathogens: insights from Pomegranate, Thyme and Grape pomace extracts. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have significantly contributed to the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, ultimately compromising the effectiveness of conventional antibiotic therapies. In the current era, antimicrobial resistance is regarded as one of the most critical public health challenges of the 21st century. This demands the formulation of alternative strategies to treat resistant infections, with a particular emphasis on the identification of novel bioactive compounds that are effective against MDR pathogens. In recent years, growing attention has been directed toward plant�derived extracts such as Pomegranate Peel Extract (PPE), Grape Pomace Hydroethanolic Extract (GpHE) from the Aglianico cultivar and Thyme Essential Oil (Thy-EO), due to their broad spectrum of biological properties. In accordance with the One Health approach, the valorization of agro-industrial by�products offers a sustainable and promising approach for the development of novel antimicrobial molecules. This present PhD project aims to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of selected natural extracts against reference and clinical bacterial strains, belonging to ESKAPE group and Foodborne pathogens. The extracts were screened for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative reference and clinical bacterial strains, through evaluation of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) concentrations. The kinetic action of the selected extracts was examined in order to establish the bactericidal or bacteriostatic effects of different treatments at different times. Additionally, the extracts capability to inhibit biofilm formation and their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties, through the suppression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hemolysis, were characterized. These study results demonstrated the remarkable potential of these natural compounds, as effective antimicrobial agents and as adjuvants to conventional antibiotics. This combined functionality offers valuable opportunities for both the prevention and treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These findings support the potential use of agro-industrial plant by-products as sustainable and effective alternatives to antibiotics, following the One Health approach. The study provides a valuable foundation for future in vivo investigations and formulation development proposing the integration of phytocomplexes into pharmaceutical and food preservation applications.

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