Antiviral activity of tea tree and eucalyptus oil aerosol and vapour

Our previous studies demonstrated high antiviral efficiency of natural disinfectants, i.e. tea tree oil (TTO) and eucalyptus oil (EUO) on the filter surface. The TTO aerosol challenge as disinfectant showed its high antiviral potential. The main aim of this study was to investigate the antiviral activity of TTO and EUO aerosols in range of concentrations against Influenza A virus and E. coli phage M13. It was found that both tested oils aerosols possess strong antiviral action and capable of inactivating model viruses with efficiency of more than 95% within 5–15 min of exposure. Additionally, the TTO and EUO vapors were also challenged for their antiviral activity. The use of natural disinfectants like TTO and EUO in aerosol form as well as in vapour phase looks very promising for further development of virus inactivating procedures and technologies for air quality applications.

► This paper reports results on antiviral efficiency of natural oils and their vapors. ► Tea tree and eucalyptus oils are capable of inactivating airborne viruses. ► The efficiency is also high when vapors of these oils are used. ► Utilization of natural oils looks promising for air quality control applications.