Hi, I am a thesis student working on the evaluation of essential oil mixtures against pathogenic bacteria. I understand that essential oils are often diluted in DMSO to improve their solubility, but I would like to know: what is the most appropriate final DMSO concentration to avoid emulsification? I have reviewed protocols that use 0.5% DMSO in distilled water. Additionally, once the 0.5% DMSO solution is prepared, should I use a 1:1 ratio of DMSO with the oil mixture? Finally, can this same DMSO-based preparation be used directly for both MIC and MBC assays?
I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice on this matter.
Dissolve essential oils initially in pure DMSO (often 1:1 ratio) for full solubility, then dilute in assay medium to keep the final DMSO concentration around 0.5% to avoid emulsification and toxicity. This preparation is suitable for both MIC and MBC assays, ensuring accurate antimicrobial testing.
You need to make the oil miscible in water using DMSO. You should minimize DMSO.
Please be aware - the assumption that DMSO is inert is not validated. It can have an independent antibacterial at ~2%. But its common form materials at concentrations at < MIC to have an affect when combined with other antimicrobials.
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