Terpene-based cocrystals for sustainable antimicrobial applications: from apiculture to cultural heritage protection

Lorenzo Della Maggiora 
CNR ICCOM - Italy

June 10, 2026 (11:30-12:30)
Webinar Link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c97ccca9-741f-4523-8752-5782b3482202@34c64e9f-d27f-4edd-a1f0-1397f0c84f94

Abstract: Terpenes, the main bioactive components of essential oils, are widely recognized for their antimicrobial properties and represent promising eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic biocides. However, their high volatility limits their practical applicability, requiring strategies to control their release over time. In this context, crystal engineering offers a powerful approach to modulate terpene physico-chemical properties through the synthesis of cocrystals, enabling their stabilization and sustained delivery. Terpene-based systems were investigated for their antimicrobial properties against honeybee pathogens. Selected essential oils were screened, identifying thymol-, carvacrol- and menthol-rich systems as the most active. Their terpene components were further evaluated, and cocrystals were designed to improve stability and tune release kinetics. Biological assays showed that cocrystals retain antimicrobial activity while enabling controlled release, highlighting crystal engineering as a strategy to shift from rapid volatilization to sustained antimicrobial action. In parallel, the applicability of terpene-based cocrystals for the protection of cultural heritage was investigated. Recent activities focused on the study of their release kinetics and structural evolution, as well as antifungal assays on archive-derived biodeteriogens. Overall, these studies demonstrate the versatility of terpene-based cocrystals as sustainable, tunable antimicrobial systems, with applications spanning from apiculture to the long-term preservation of cultural heritage materials. Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the projects X4BEES (Crystal Engineering for bees and environmental sustainability, PRIN2022) and SCRIBA (European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) - PR Tuscany FSE+ 2021 2027 (Bando ricerca 2024), Giovanisì)

Author's Info: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lorenzo-Della-Maggiora-3?ev=hdr_xprf