Antimicrobial Activity of Plant Volatiles in Vapor Phase

Dear Colleagues,

Plant volatile agents (PVA) are abundant chemicals that are emitted as an important factor, allowing communication and interaction among plants and their environment. This relatively large group of natural products consisting of lipophilic compounds of low molecular weight and high vapor pressure is divided into several chemical classes, including terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, fatty acids derivatives, and amino acid-derived products in addition to a few specific compounds not represented in those major classes, such as alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and ketones. Essential oils (EOs), aromatic liquids of complex composition, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, terpenoids, and phenylpropanoids are one of the most important representatives of PVA. As they often possess a broad spectrum of biological effects, EOs and their constituents have been widely used in the medicine, perfumery, cosmetic, and food industries since ancient times.

In recent years, the vapors of PVA have been intensively studied for their inhibitory effects against various microorganisms involved in the pathogenesis of human and plant diseases as well as in contamination and deterioration of food and agricultural products. The main advantage of PVA vapors is that they do not need to be applied systemically to the body or directly to the product, and they naturally tend to be regularly distributed in the air conditions of the targeted area. In addition, EOs are a typical example of complex mixtures producing an antimicrobial synergistic effect, which is currently considered as an effective tool for overcoming microbial resistance. Although they are considered relatively safe and environmentally friendly agents, it should be noted that respiratory, allergic, or immune effects associated with inhalation of essential oils and their constituents have been observed, especially in infants and children. Therefore, detailed safety evaluation of novel PVA through appropriate methods is necessary before their introduction to practical use.

The papers in this Special Issue will provide up-to date literature analysis and newly generated experimental data on antimicrobial effectiveness of PVA, including innovative approaches for evaluating their activities in vapor phase. This information should be useful for medicinal, pharmaceutical, food, and agricultural experts working in areas related to the management of infectious diseases (especially respiratory and skin infections), food preservation (e.g., active packaging), and protection of agriculture products (e.g., controlled atmosphere). It may also stimulate the interest of the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and agriculture industries in the research and development of new antibacterial and antifungal agents of natural origin. The issue will therefore appeal to communities of industrial stakeholders, pharmacists, physicians, food experts, agriculturists, and researchers in related areas such as pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, microbiology, natural product chemistry, food preservation, plant protection, etc.

Prof. Dr. Ladislav Kokoska
Guest Editor

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