The Potential of Hydrosol from Kulim (Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc.) Leaves as Antibacterial, Anti-Polymicrobial Biofilm, and Antimotility Agent

Abstract

Biofilms play an essential role in chronic infections and can resist antibiotics, indicating the need to develop novel antibacterial and antibiofilm agents using new plant sources. Kulim (Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc.), which is endemic to Borneo and widely known for its distinctive garlic-like aroma, and empirical medicinal use. This study aims to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of Kulim leaves hydrosol. Hydrosol was obtained through distillation, and its phytochemical composition was characterized using GC-MS. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were then assessed using microdilution assays to determine MIC₅₀, MBIC₅₀, and MBEC₅₀. This study also examined the impact of Kulim hydrosol on the motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a critical virulence factor in biofilm formation and infection persistence. The main compound identified was di-2-propenyl (CAS) allyl trisulfide. The MIC50 values for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and polymicrobial growth were 79.19%, 61.74%, 93.07%, and 67.58% (v/v), respectively. The MBIC50 values for these bacteria were 71.68%, 36.45%, 73.71%, and 61.70% (v/v), respectively. In addition, the MBEC50 values at 24 hours were 66.24%, 61.37%, 75.76%, and 39.15% (v/v), respectively. The MBEC50 at 48 hours were determined to be 60.73%, 64%, 70.70%, and 56.47% (v/v), respectively. Kulim hydrosol was also reported to inhibit 50% of P. aeruginosa swimming, swarming, and twitching motility at rates of 22.96%, 19.36%, and 41.99% (v/v), respectively. These results suggest that the test sample has potential as an antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antimotility agent, making it valuable for application in food preservation, healthcare, and industry.