Evaluation of Origanum vulgare Essential Oil as a Natural Antibacterial Agent in Minced Meat

Abstract

The increasing consumer demand for natural, clean-label food preservation strategies has intensified interest in plant-derived essential oils as alternatives to synthetic preservatives. This study evaluates the antibacterial efficacy and preservative potential of Origanum vulgare essential oil in fresh minced meat under refrigerated storage. The oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and chemically characterised using GC–MS, revealing a carvacrol-rich chemotype with significant amounts of thymol, p-cymene, and γ-terpinene, which collectively contribute to its strong antimicrobial activity. Phenolic derivatives accounted for over 64% of the oil composition, explaining its pronounced efficacy against microorganisms. When incorporated into minced meat at a sensorially acceptable concentration of 0.1%, the essential oil significantly reduced total aerobic mesophilic microflora and Staphylococcus aureus populations over 48 hours at 4 °C, without affecting sensory attributes such as taste and odour. The stronger reduction in S. aureus is attributed to the higher susceptibility of Gram-positive bacteria to phenolic compounds. The antibacterial mechanism involves disruption of bacterial cell membranes, ion leakage, ATP depletion, and collapse of the proton-motive force, while minor compounds like p-cymene and γ-terpinene enhance membrane penetration and synergistically boost antimicrobial activity. The essential oil also exhibits anti-biofilm properties, preventing adhesion and disrupting mature biofilms. From an industrial perspective, challenges such as volatility, instability, and strong aroma can be mitigated using encapsulation technologies (nanoemulsions, liposomes, cyclodextrins, biopolymer-based matrices) and by combining essential oils with other multi-hurdle preservation strategies, including modified atmosphere packaging, edible coatings, organic acids, and mild thermal treatments. In conclusion, Origanum vulgare essential oil is a promising natural preservative capable of enhancing food safety, extending shelf life, and meeting the consumer demand for minimally processed, natural meat products. Further studies are warranted to optimise encapsulation systems, synergistic preservation strategies, and industrial-scale applications.