Bacteriostatic activity and mechanism of cinnamon essential oil against Pantoea agglomerans and Staphylococcus saprophyticus

Bacteriostatic activity was evaluated by means of the inhibition zone diameters with filter paper and minimum inhibitory concentration( MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration( MBC) by the double dilution method.In addition,the antibacterial mechanism according to scanning electron microscopy,transmission electron microscopy,cell membrane permeability and integrity and membrane potential were discussed. Results indicated that cinnamon essential oil exhibited significant inhibition of two tested strains,and Staphylococcus saprophyticus was more effective than Pantoea agglomerans.Furthermore,cinnamon essential oil could cause severe damage to cell microstructure,cell wall and cell membrane,enhancing the membrane permeability,leading to the leakage of cellular materials,resulting in bacterial death.