Natural Plant Oils as Anti-Algae Biocides for Sustainable Application in Cultural Heritage Protection

Michał Komar (), Nathnael Derese, Kamil Szymczak, Paulina Nowicka-Krawczyk and Beata Gutarowska ()
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Michał Komar: Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Wólczańska 171/173, 90-530 Łódź, Poland
Nathnael Derese: Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Wólczańska 171/173, 90-530 Łódź, Poland
Kamil Szymczak: Institute of Natural Products and Cosmetics, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 2/22, 90-537 Łódź, Poland
Paulina Nowicka-Krawczyk: Department of Algology and Mycology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Łódź, Poland
Beata Gutarowska: Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Lodz University of Technology, Wólczańska 171/173, 90-530 Łódź, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-22

Abstract: The prevention of biofilm formation and algal biodeterioration on building materials, particularly on cultural heritage sites, is a growing concern. Due to regulatory restrictions on conventional algicidal biocides in Europe, natural alternatives such as essential oils are gaining interest for their potential use in heritage conservation. This study evaluates the anti-algal activity of Salvia officinalis and Equisetum arvense (essential oils, hydrolates, and extracts) against a mixed culture of five green algae species ( Bracteacoccus minor , Stichococcus bacillaris , Klebsormidium nitens , Chloroidium saccharophilum , and Diplosphaera chodatii ). The plant materials were processed using hydrodistillation and solvent extraction, followed by chemical characterization through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biological efficacy was assessed by measuring algal growth inhibition, changes in biomass colour, chlorophyll a concentration, and fluorescence. S. officinalis yielded higher extract quantities (extraction yield: 23%) than E. arvense and contained bioactive compounds such as thujone, camphor, and cineole, which correlated with its strong anti-algal effects. The essential oil of S. officinalis demonstrated the highest efficacy, significantly inhibiting biofilm formation (zones of inhibition: 15–94 mm) and photosynthetic activity at 0.5% concentration (reduction in chlorophyll a concentration 90–100%), without causing visible discolouration of treated surfaces (∆E < 2). These findings highlight the potential of S. officinalis essential oil as a natural, effective, and material-safe algicidal biocide for the sustainable protection of cultural heritage sites.

Keywords: terrestrial green algae; biofilms; essential plant oils; anti-algal activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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