Control of planktonic and sessile bacterial cells by essential oils

► The essential oils (EOs) of Cinnamomum cassia, Melaleuca alternifolia and Cymbopogon flexuosus were tested alone and in combination against Listeria monocytogenes and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. ► An antibacterial effect was verified against planktonic and sessile bacterial cells adhered on polystyrene, and C. cassia EO when used alone stands out. ► The sessile bacterial cells were more resistant to EOs and their combinations than the planktonic cells. ► A C. cassia EO solution (2%, v/v) was effective against the biofilm of both bacterial species formed on stainless steel after incubation under static conditions. ► The biofilm of L. monocytogenes formed under agitation on stainless steel was more resistant to C. cassia EO (2%, v/v) than the one formed under static conditions.