Developing a novel environmentally friendly microbiocidal formulation from peel of citrus fruit

A new formulation of a microbiocide was developed from natural compounds extracted from citrus flavedo. The active ingredients of this formulation comprise essential oil components and limonene hydroperoxides. The formulation prevented the development of decay in P. digitatum-inoculated fruits, and markedly reduced decay in non-inoculated citrus fruits. Similar good control was shown for other fruits and against several other fungi and bacteria. These natural compounds were found to be active against human pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and others. A major advantage of this new formulation is its non-toxic food grade character and high chances of approval for use on fresh agricultural produce by the health authorities. The new formulation has both a direct fungicidal activity and also elicits the fruit to build its endogenous defense mechanisms against decay. These combined modes of activity greatly improve the potential to control decay. Several other uses in household hygiene and in reducing contamination with this fragrant environmentally friendly food grade new product are possible. A procedure for the synthesis of the most active limonene hydroperoxide biocide has been developed. This novel finding was acquired by Janssen Pharmaceutica and patents are registered or pending in over 20 countries.