Surface alteration of Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced by thymol and eugenol

Aims: This study aims to bring some information about the mechanism of the fungicidal action of thymol and eugenol; phenolic major components of thyme and clove essential oils respectively. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was used as yeast model. Methods and Results: Treatment of yeast cells with these components led to their lysis as shown by the release of substances absorbing at 260 nm. In addition, scanning electron microscope observations revealed that the surface of the treated cells was significantly damaged. Conclusions: Antifungal activity of thymol and eugenol involve alteration of both membrane and cell wall of the yeast. Significance and Impact of the Study: This work is a preliminary contribution aiming to develop a new generation of efficient and natural antifungal agents.