Applications of Thymol mediated iodophor formulations and their antimicrobial properties

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global thread for the survival of mankind. WHO is warning since several years against a multitude of ESKAPE pathogens with multi-drug resistance properties. AMR manifests itself in reduced effectivity of common antimicrobials against resistant strains. Overuse and uncontrolled dispatching of synthetic antibiotics are some of the msin causes. New, alternative, plant-based antimicrobials could be a solution against AMR. Plants contain a spectrum of different biomolecules, which synergistically inhibit pathogens. Aloe Vera barbadensis Miller L. (AV) and Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) are well-known since centuries by humans as health-promoting antimicrobial agents. Iodine is a microbicide used against microbial infections, especially in the polymeric form of Povidone Iodine (PVP-I2). We investigated Aloe Vera barbadensis (AV) gel in combination with the major component of Thyme, namely the monoterpenoid Thymol within a formulation with PVP-I2. Thymol is increasingly used in different cosmeceutical and oral healthcare products as well. The morphology and composition of the formulation were verified by diverse analytical methods. The formulation was impregnated on discs, surgical sutures, surgical face masks and KN95 masks, as well as cotton bandages. The dip-coated materials were tested against 10 microbial reference strains. The results show excellent to intermediate susceptibility of the pathogens against our formulation with potential as antiinfective agent and for the prevention of surgical site infections. Further possible uses could include oral health care products and surface killing agents.