Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activities of <i>Pinus halepensis</i> , <i>Pistacia lentiscus</i> , and <i>Origanum compactum</i> Against <i>Staphylococcus saprophyticus</i> Isolated From Urinary Tract Infections: In Vitro and In Silico Analysis

Abstract

This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of essential oils (EOs) from Pinus halepensis, Pistacia lentiscus, and Origanum compactum, both in vitro and in silico, and examined their synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics against Staphylococcus saprophyticus isolates. The compositions of the EOs were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and their antibacterial activity was determined using the disk diffusion, broth microdilution, and time-kill assays. Antibiofilm activities were assessed using the microtiter plates method. The synergies effects between antibiotics and EOs were evaluated using a checkerboard assay. Molecular docking with AutoDock Vina was used to assess the binding affinities of major EOs compounds to key proteins associated with antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. Phytochemical analysis identified β-caryophyllene, myrcene, α-pinene, and thymol as the major components of EOs. In vitro, all tested EOs exhibited antibacterial and antibiofilm activity by inhibiting biofilm formation, rather than eradicating established biofilm, in a concentration-dependent manner. In silico molecular docking revealed that these major components possessed strong antibacterial and antibiofilm potential. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profiling indicated their promise as drug candidates with favorable pharmacokinetic properties. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to identify alternative strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance, particularly in infections that are challenging to treat in clinical settings.