Evaluation of the Antibiofilm Activity of Clove Essential Oil in the Development of Bioactive Coatings for Arterial Sampling Devices

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and biofilm-associated infections represent a major global health concern, particularly in the context of medical devices such as catheters, tubing, and blood sampling devices. Biofilms, responsible for up to 85% of human infections, confer a high level of microbial resistance and compromise device performance and patient safety. In this study, the antibiofilm potential of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) essential oil was investigated through an in vitro assay. GC–MS analysis revealed eugenol (72.77%) as the predominant compound, accompanied by β-caryophyllene (14.72%) and carvacrol (2.09%). The essential oil exhibited notable antimicrobial activity, producing inhibition zones of 30.5 ± 4.5 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, 24.5 ± 0.5 mm against Micrococcus luteus, 16.0 ± 2.0 mm against Escherichia coli, 13.0 ± 1.0 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 23.5 ± 1.5 mm against Candida albicans, and 24.0 ± 2.0 mm against C. glabrata. A marked reduction in biofilm biomass observed on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) surfaces. The application of clove essential oil as a coating for PVC-based medical devices remains a future possibility that requires formulation and in vivo testing. This strategy is proposed as potentially eco-safe, although environmental toxicity and biocompatibility have not yet been evaluated. It could contribute to the prevention of biofilm formation in arterial sampling systems and other healthcare-related materials, thereby enhancing device safety and longevity.