Disinfectant action of Cymbopogon sp. essential oils in different phases of biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes on stainless steel surface

Disinfectant solutions based on the essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf. and Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle, applied alone or in combination, and a control disinfectant solution were tested in two phases (3 and 240 h) of biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19117 on AISI 304 (#4) stainless steel surface. Disinfectant solutions based on essential oils have effectively reduced the number of surface-adhered cells, especially after 60 min of contact. The disinfectant solutions based on a combination of essential oils were capable of reducing 100% (5.64 Log CFU cm−2) the number of surface-adhered cells after 60 min of contact, at 240 h of biofilm formation. Essential oils of C. citratus and C. nardus, alone or in combination, are new alternatives for disinfection of industrial stainless steel surfaces contaminated by L. monocytogenes.