The essential role of spontaneous and starter yeasts in cocoa and coffee fermentation.

Yeasts are important microorganisms used in different fermentation processes. The cocoa beans must go through a correct fermentation process to obtain good-quality chocolate, which involves the action of yeasts and bacteria, and yeasts play a crucial role since they act in the first days of fermentation. In coffee, several studies have shown that the microbiota in the fruits is also a relevant factor. The fermentation process (regardless of the processing type) improves the beverage's quality. In this sense, studies using starter cultures in these two raw materials are important for better control of the process, and optimization of fermentation time, in addition to the improvement and diversification of volatile and non-volatile compounds produced by yeasts. Thus, this review discusses the importance and role of yeasts during fermentation, their metabolism, the produced compounds, and how yeast and the different chemical reactions help increase the quality of chocolate and coffee.

Wet fermentation of Coffea canephora by lactic acid bacteria and yeasts using the self-induced anaerobic fermentation (SIAF) method enhances the coffee quality.

This work aimed to evaluate the impact of inoculation single and co-cultivation of LAB and yeasts during the wet process of Coffea canephora using the self-induced anaerobic fermentation method. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Totulaspora delbrueckii delbrueckii, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum were monitored during fermentation. L. mesenteroides was detected in high concentrations in the coffee fruits (8.54 log10 cells/mL) and remained until the end of fermentation. Lactic and acetic acids were the main acids produced during fermentation. After 36 h of fermentation, 75.39% of malic acid was consumed in the L. mesenteroides + S. cerevisiae (MC) fermentations. In roasted coffee, the caffeine concentration reached 3.29 higher than the green beans in MC fermentation. Specific volatile compounds were detected in inoculated fermentation and may contribute to the beverage quality. Coffee inoculated with Leuconostoc mesenteroides was classified as fine (80.0-89.0), while the other fermentations were classified as premium (70.0-79.0). L. mesenteroides inoculation showed the best sensory score, and the beverage was characterized by caramel, fruity, and spices notes. L. mesenteroides inoculated alone or in co-culture with S. cerevisiae are promising starter cultures to improve Conilon coffee quality and obtain beverages with differentiated sensory profiles.

Self-induced anaerobiosis coffee fermentation: Impact on microbial communities, chemical composition and sensory quality of coffee.

Microbial communities associated with coffee fermentation have been widely investigated. However, few reports about self-induced anaerobiosis fermentation (SIAF) on microbial diversity and the chemical and sensory profile of coffees grown under different environmental conditions have been studied. This study evaluated the microbial, chemical, and sensorial profile of the natural and pulped coffee fermented with and without induced anaerobiosis. The microbial diversity was determined by plating and next-generation sequencing, the chemical profile through 1H NMR and chemometrics analysis, and sensory analysis was conducted by Temporal Dominance of Sensations (TDS). Three hundred and eighty microorganisms were isolated; 149 mesophilic bacteria, 147 lactic acid bacteria, and 84 yeasts. Hanseniaspora uvarum, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Weissella cibaria were identified in Monte Carmelo, Três Pontas, Carmo de Minas, and Lajinha in Minas Gerais, Brazil. New generation sequencing (NGS) analysis identified a high yeast species diversity (74). Some metabolites such as chlorogenic acid, sucrose, lactic acid, and trigonelline were identified in fermented coffees with the joint analysis of NMR and the loadings of PC1. Monte Carmelo coffees processed by the pulped method stood out sensorially showed a higher dominance rate for woody, herbaceous and fruity attributes. The SIAF positively impacts microbial behavior, resulting in coffees with a more intensified fruity attribute.

Fermentation of Coffea canephora inoculated with yeasts: Microbiological, chemical, and sensory characteristics.

This work aimed to evaluate Coffea canephora's microbiological, chemical, and sensory characteristics at 300 and 600 m elevation plantations processed by the natural method inoculated with yeasts. The coffee was spread on suspended terraces and sprayed with approximately 107 cfu/mL of Meyerozyma caribbica CCMA 1738 or Pichia kluyveri CCMA 1743, separately. Cherries containing bark and parchment were collected during fermentation for microbial groups counting, qPCR, quantification of organic acids, and sugars (HPLC). Volatile compounds (GC-MS) and sensory analyses, cupping test with expert coffee tasters and triangular test with consumers, were performed on roasted coffee beans. The inoculated yeasts persisted during the entire fermentation process. M. caribbica reduced the filamentous fungal population by 63% and 90% in the 300- and 600-m coffees, respectively. The 300-m coffee fruits showed higher concentrations of organic acids in all fermentation times when compared to the 600-m reaching out to 8 times more. Twenty-four volatile compounds were identified in the roasted coffee beans, with the predominance of pyrazines. The 600-m coffee inoculated with M. caribbica showed an increase of more than one point in the score given by certified tasters. Consumers noticed the M. caribbica inoculation in the 300- and 600-m-elevation coffees. M. caribbica is a promising starter culture for Conilon coffee with the potential to increase the beverage quality.

The impact of yeast starter cultures on the microbial communities and volatile compounds in cocoa fermentation and the resulting sensory attributes of chocolate.

Theobroma cacao seeds are the main raw material for chocolate production. During their fermentation, a succession of microorganisms are responsible for the physicochemical changes occurring in the pulp and inside the beans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of yeast inoculation (Saccharomyces cerevisiae UFLA CA11, Pichia kluivery CCMA0237, and Hanseniaspora uvarum CCMA0236) on the profile of the volatile compounds and microbial communities in cocoa fermentation. The resulting chocolate was also evaluated by temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) analyses. The dominant microorganisms during spontaneous fermentation were S. cerevisiae, H. uvarum, H. guilliermondii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Pediococcus sp., and Acetobacter pasteurianus. Similarly, S. cerevisiae, P. kluyveri, Candida sp., Pediococcus sp., and A. pasteurianus were the predominant microorganisms assessed by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) in inoculated fermentation. Sixty-seven volatile compounds were detected and quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) at the end of fermentation and chocolates. The main group of volatile compound found after the inoculated and spontaneous fermentations was esters (41 and 39 %, respectively). In the chocolates, the main group was acids (73 and 44 % from the inoculated and spontaneous fermentations, respectively). The TDS analyses showed a dominance of bitter and cocoa attributes in both chocolates. However, in the inoculated chocolate, lingering fruity notes were more intense, while the chocolate produced by spontaneous fermentation was more astringent. Thus, the inoculation of yeast influenced the microbial profile, which likely affected the volatile compounds that affect sensory characteristics, resulting in chocolate with dominant bitter, cocoa, and fruity attributes.

Impact of different fermentation times on the microbiological, chemical, and sensorial profile of coffees processed by self-induced anaerobiosis fermentation.

Variation in fermentation time may be an essential alternative to provide coffee beverages with different and unique sensory profiles. This work investigated the microbiological, chemical, and sensory changes in coffees submitted to different fermentation durations (0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h). Self-induced anaerobiosis fermentation (SIAF) was used, and two treatments were performed: spontaneous fermentation and inoculation with S. cerevisiae CCMA0543. Microbiological analyses were performed, and the permanence of the inoculum was monitored. Chromatography (sugars, organic acids, and volatile compounds) was analyzed, and sensory analysis (temporal dominance of sensations - TDS) was performed. A total of 228 isolates were identified during spontaneous fermentation. The dominant bacteria and yeasts were Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Staphylococcus warneri, Bacillus sp., Torulaspora delbrueckii, Hanseniaspora uvarum, and Meyerozyma caribbica. High concentrations of citric (18.67 mg.g- 1) and succinic (5.04 mg.g- 1) acids were detected at 96 h in SIAF fermentation. One hundred twenty-one volatile compounds were detected, but 22 were detected only in inoculated coffees. In spontaneous fermentation, 48 h of fermentation showed woody notes, while 72 h showed chestnuts. However, in the inoculated coffee, 72 h of fermentation showed high fruity dominance, and 96 h of fermentation was the only one with herbaceous notes. In addition, yeast inoculation increased the intensity of caramel notes in the first 48 h and increased the fruity flavor after 72 h of fermentation. Therefore, the type of fermentation (with or without inoculation) and the chosen fermentation time will depend on the sensorial profile the producer intends to obtain.

Microencapsulation by spray drying of coffee epiphytic yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0543 and Torulaspora delbrueckii CCMA 0684.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the microencapsulation feasibility of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0543 and Torulaspora delbrueckii CCMA 0684 in three different compositions of wall material by spray-dryer. The yeasts (109 CFU mL-1) were microencapsulated separately using maltodextrin (15%), maltodextrin (15%) with sucrose (2%), or maltose (2%) as wall material. The viability was evaluated for 6 months at two different temperatures (7 and 25 °C). The yield, cell viability after spray drying, and characterization of the microcapsules were performed. Results indicate that cell viability ranged between 94.06 and 97.97%. After 6 months, both yeasts stored at 7 °C and 25 °C presented 107 and 102 CFU mL-1, respectively. Regarding Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, all microencapsulated yeasts presented typical spectra footprints of maltodextrin. After 6 months of storage, S. cerevisiae CCMA 0543 obtained a 10.8% increase in cell viability using maltodextrin with maltose as wall material compared to maltodextrin and maltodextrin with sucrose. However, T. delbrueckii CCMA 0684 obtained a 13.5% increase in cell viability using only maltodextrin. The study showed that maltodextrin as a wall material was efficient in the microencapsulation of yeasts. It is possible to assume that maltose incorporation increased the cell viability of S. cerevisiae CCMA 0543 during storage.

Microencapsulation of epiphytic coffee yeasts by spray drying using different wall materials: Implementation in coffee medium.

The storage of microorganisms in liquid form is the main drawback of commercializing epiphytic coffee yeasts. This work aimed to evaluate the fermentative performance of microencapsulated yeasts by spray drying in a coffee peel and pulp media (CPM). The yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0543, Torulaspora delbrueckii CCMA 0684, and Meyerozyma caribbica CCMA 1738, were microencapsulated using maltodextrin DE10 (MD), high maltose (MA), and whey powder (WP) as wall materials. A Central Composite Rotational Design (CCRD) was used to investigate the effect of operating parameters on the microcapsules' cell viability, drying yield, and water activity. Yeasts reached cell viability and drying yields above 90 and 50 %, respectively. WP maintained the cell viability of the three yeasts over 90 days of storage at room temperature (25 °C) and was selected as a wall material for the three yeasts. M. caribbica showed to be more sensitive to spray drying and less resistant to storage. Some differences were found in the fermentation of the CPM medium, but the microencapsulated yeasts maintained their biotechnological characteristics. Therefore, the microencapsulation of epiphytic coffee yeasts by spray drying was promising to be used in the coffee fermentation process.

Molecular, Chemical, and Sensory Attributes Fingerprinting of Self-Induced Anaerobic Fermented Coffees from Different Altitudes and Processing Methods.

Coffee quality is achieved by performing good practices. This study aimed to evaluate coffees from different altitudes fermented with the self-induced anaerobic method (SIAF) and processed via natural (N) and pulped natural (PN). Molecular (PCR-DGGE), chemical (HPLC, ABTS, DPPH, ATR-FTIR, and GC-MS), and sensory analyses were performed. Leuconostoc predominated both processes and all altitudes. Hanseniaspora and Pichia predominated both processes at 800 and 1200 m. Acids were higher in N coffees for all altitudes. Acetic, malic acid and alcohols were the most abundant. Higher sensory scores were obtained in N (mainly at 1400 m-88.13). Floral and spices were perceived in all samples. ABTS capacity in roasted coffee increased with altitude in PN (2685.71, 2724.03, and 3847.14 µM trolox/g); meanwhile, the opposite was observed in N. High sensory scores were obtained in high altitudes. Alcohols and acids in roasted beans increase with altitude. Leuconostoc and Pichia showed potential as future coffee starters.

Coinoculation of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts increases the quality of wet fermented Arabica coffee.

Wet coffee fermentation is widely used in coffee-producing regions such as Colombia and Hawaii, but it is not widespread in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate inoculating the lactic acid bacteria Leuconostoc mesenteroides CCMA1105 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCMA 1065 and the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA0543 and Torulaspora delbrueckii CCMA0684 as starter cultures on wet coffee fermentation using the SIAF method (self-induced anaerobiosis fermentation). The microbial activity resulted in high consumption of the carbohydrates glucose (98.6%), fructose (97.6%), and sucrose (100%), in addition to the production of lactic and acetic acids, impacting the final quality of the beverage. A total of 108 volatile compounds belonging to 17 classes were identified in the green and roasted coffee samples, including 2,3-butanediol produced by lactic acid bacteria, contributing to coffee's aromatic profile. The final scores for the coffees from the different fermentations ranged from 79.0 to 83.25. The inoculated fermentations were classified as specialty according to the Specialty Coffee Association. Therefore, whole coffee fruit processed via wet using SIAF method and yeast and lactic acid bacteria starter is an alternative for improving wet fermented coffee quality and obtaining coffee beverages with a different sensory profile.

Brazilian cocoa hybrid-mix fermentation: Impact of microbial dominance as well as chemical and sensorial properties.

High-yield resistant hybrids are used in cocoa fermentation and result in chocolates with different sensorial profiles. This work aimed to characterize the fermentation microbiologically and physicochemically. Hybrids CEPEC 2004, FA13, PH15, and CEPEC 2002 were used for fermentation. The yeast, acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and mesophilic bacteria population were evaluated in their respective medium. Carbohydrates and acids were detected using a high-performance liquid chromatography system, and volatiles were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry equipment. Finally, a consumer acceptance test followed by a check-all-that-apply question and a temporal dominance of sensations assessment was performed in chocolate. The fermentation resulted in a typical succession: yeast-dominated at first, followed by lactic acid, acetic acid, and mesophilic bacteria. In the pulp, carbohydrates and citric acid were consumed. Low concentrations of acetic acid (0.09-1.75 g/kg) were detected. Acids, esters, and alcohols were the most abundant groups. The chocolate profile resulted in sweet, acidic, and fruity, satisfying consumers' tastes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION:  The cocoa hybrid-mix fermentation can improve the fermentation process and chocolate quality.  The mixture generated a different sensory profile in comparison to other fermentations.  The fruity chocolate was accepted and liked by consumers.

Co-inoculation of yeasts starters: A strategy to improve quality of low altitude Arabica coffee.

The study aimed to improve the quality of dry-processed coffee grown at low altitudes through yeast inoculation, using three species (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0543, Torulaspora delbrueckii CCMA 0684, and Candida parapsilosis CCMA 0544) singly and with co-inoculation for fermentation. Important chemical compounds and groups were analyzed by liquid and gas chromatography and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The inoculated coffees with yeast populations around 106 cell/g obtained the highest scores, and the co-inoculation with C. parapsilosis CCMA 0544 and T. delbrueckii CCMA 0684 had the highest score in the sensory analysis (85). Different descriptors were observed in each treatment, and body, flavor, balance, and aftertaste are strongly related to C. parapsilosis CCMA 0544. The fermentation process improved the quality of low-altitude coffees, and the combination of non-Saccharomyces yeasts (C. parapsilosis CCMA 0544 and T. delbrueckii CCMA 0684) was the most indicated as starter cultures.

Characterization of bioactive, chemical, and sensory compounds from fermented coffees with different yeasts species.

Selected yeasts for coffee fermentation are correlated with changes in chemical compounds and beverage sensory characteristics. This work aimed to evaluate the chemical and sensory modifications of coffee fermented with one yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCMA 0543, Candida parapsilosis CCMA 0544, or Torulaspora delbrueckii CCMA 0684) and in co-inoculation (from two to two and the three together) by dry processing. Real-time PCR analyzes, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP), liquid and gas chromatography, and sensory analysis were performed. Caparaó coffees showed a higher C. parapsilosis (6.14 Log cell.g-1) population followed by S. cerevisiae (5.85 Log cell.g-1) and T. delbrueckii (4.64 Log cell.g-1). The total phenolic content has a strong and positive correlation with the fermentation time and the roasted beans and a moderate and positive correlation with DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. Coffee inoculated with T. delbrueckii reduced caffeine concentration during the fermentation process. In co-cultivation, the trigonelline concentration showed the most significant decrease (around 4 mg.g-1) when inoculated with S. cerevisiae and T. delbrueckii. Detection of some organic acids and volatile compounds during fermentation may indicate that the starter cultures used different metabolic routes. All co-inoculation treatments presented the best sensory scores (>86 points). In the inoculated fermentation, fruity, citric, molasses, freshness, and wine notes appeared. The co-inoculated treatment with S. cerevisiae CCMA 0543, C. parapsilosis CCMA 0544, and T. delbrueckii CCMA 0684 was the best, considering the diversity of sensory notes descriptors and the final concentration of organic acids.

Influence of fermentation conditions on the sensorial quality of coffee inoculated with yeast.

Fermentation is one of the post-harvest steps that influence coffee quality. This work evaluated the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CCMA 0543) and Torulaspora delbrueckii (CCMA 0684) inoculation on the quality of natural and pulped natural processed coffee in different producing regions. Yeast populations were assessed by the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Volatile and nonvolatile compounds were evaluated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. S. cerevisiae was predominant during spontaneous (average of 4 log cells/g) and inoculated (average of 7 log cells/g) fermentations in both processes. T. delbrueckii showed a similar population (3.79 log cells/g) in all assays. Glucose and fructose were the most detected sugars in coffee beans. Succinic acid was found at the end of the fermentative process. The lactic acid concentration was inversely proportional to ethanol concentration. Pyrrole and furan, which are volatile groups, allowed to differentiate the coffee processing methods. Yeast inoculation modified the sensorial profile and increased the coffee beverage scores by up to 5 points. S. cerevisiae inoculation was most suitable for pulped natural coffee, and T. delbrueckii inoculation showed the best performance in natural coffee.

Coffee growing altitude influences the microbiota, chemical compounds and the quality of fermented coffees.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of different altitudes on the epiphytic microbiota of coffee beans and on sensorial and chemical quality of coffees grown at 800, 1000, 1200, and 1400 m in Serra do Caparaó, Espírito Santo, Brazil. For microbiological analysis, the population counts of mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and yeasts were performed from the surface plating. The isolates were grouped and identified from the Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and sequencing of the ribosomal region was used. The chemical composition of the green grains was evaluated by Raman spectroscopy, and the sensory analysis of the roasted grains was performed using temporal dominance of sensations (TDS). During fermentation, there was a decrease in the LAB in pulped coffee from 800 and 1000 m altitude, while an increase was observed at 1200 and 1400 m. In natural coffee, there was an increase of LAB population at all altitudes. The highest diversity of mesophilic bacteria and yeast were identified in natural 1400 m and 1000 m, respectively. However pulped coffee treatments it was at 1200 m and 800 m. The chlorogenic acid and fatty acids in the green bean changed with altitude variation and processing. The floral attribute was detected only at altitude 1400 m. Caramel, chocolate and almond attributes were most frequently detected in coffees at different altitudes and processing. Therefore, pulped coffee processing was most suitable at low altitude while at high altitudes, both processes can be conducted to obtain a beverage with unusual sensory profile.

Fermentation of yam (Dioscorea spp. L.) by indigenous phytase-producing lactic acid bacteria strains.

The use of lactic bacteria in the development of functional foods has increased in recent years. In addition to their probiotic characteristics, they can ferment a variety of substrates, such as cereals, roots, and tubers. Phytase producer lactic acid bacteria strains and their behavior during the fermentation process of yam-based food were studied. Leuconostoc lactis CCMA 0415, Lactobacillus plantarum CCMA 0744, and Lactobacillus fermentum CCMA 0745 were selected due to phytase production, pH reduction, and growth during 24 h of fermentation. Oxalate activity was not detected in all assays, suggesting its concentration was reduced due to the bleaching process. Among the selected strains, L. lactis CCMA 0415 appeared to be a promising strain in yam-based fermentations because it maintained a cell viability above 8 log CFU/mL and did not reduce diosgenin concentrations (around 8.0 µg/mL) after fermentation for 24 h, thereby, generating a potentially functional yam food. Furthermore, this strain promoted the decrease of pH value from 6.1 to 3.8 and produced 8.1 g/L lactic acid, at 6 h of fermentation. The L. lactis CCMA 0415 was reported as a starter culture in fermented products based on cereals, roots, and tubers.

Antioxidant capacity of cocoa beans and chocolate assessed by FTIR.

The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC) of cocoa beans and chocolate produced from spontaneous and inoculated fermentations of different cocoa varieties were evaluated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well as conventional methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), was used to determine TAC and TPC. Chocolate showed higher (p<0.05) TPC (47.17-57.16mgGAE/g) and TAC (1.66-2.33mMTE/g and 8.86-11.35mMTE/g as measured by DPPH and ABTS, respectively) than cocoa beans (6.30-26.05mgGAE/g, 0.24-1.17mMTE/g and 1.29-4.83mMTE/g for TPC, DPPH and ABTS, respectively). Partial least square (PLS) model for infrared data showed a good calibration coefficient (R2cal>0.94), indicating that the FTIR technique represents a fast and reliable tool to evaluate TPC and TAC in cocoa beans and chocolate.

Inativação termoquímica de Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus e Salmonella enterica Enteritidis por óleos essenciais / Thermochemical inactivation of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica Enteritidis by essencial oils

O controle do crescimento microbiano tanto na indústria de alimentos quanto em ambientes hospitalares é de extrema importância. Entretanto, observa-se aumento da resistência dos microrganismos aos desinfetantes mais empregados, observando-se a necessidade de estudos com novos antimicrobianos. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana e a curva de morte termoquímica de soluções desinfetantes de óleos essenciais sobre Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus e Salmonella Enteritidis. Foram utilizados os óleos essenciais de Thymus vulgaris (tomilho), Elettaria cardamomum (cardamomo), Eugenia caryophyllus (cravo botão) e Foeniculum vulgare dulce (funcho doce). As concentrações mínimas inibitórias foram determinadas utilizando-se a técnica de diluição em placas. As concentrações testadas foram de (%): 0,00; 0,25; 0,5; 1,0; 2,0; 2,5; 3,0; 3,5; 4,0; 4,5; e 5,0. Escherichia coli foi a única bactéria sensível a todos os óleos em concentrações abaixo de 5%. Cravo da índia não inibiu o crescimento de S. aureus nas concentrações testadas. Somente o óleo essencial de tomilho inibiu o crescimento de Salmonella Enteritidis. Observando-se as curvas de morte termoquímica de S. aureus, nota-se que a solução desinfetante contendo óleo essencial de tomilho foi a mais eficiente, tanto a 25 quanto a 40°C, sendo necessário apenas 10min. de contato para não serem mais detectadas células viáveis. A solução desinfetante contendo 0,25% de óleo essencial de tomilho, tanto a 25 quanto a 40°C, eliminou as células de S. Enteritidis após10min. de contato. Já pra E. coli , os melhores resultados foram obtidos com as soluções desinfetantes contendo óleos essenciais de funcho doce e cravo da índia ...

The control of microbial growth in the food industry and in hospital environments is extremely important. However there is increasing resistance of microorganisms to disinfectants normally applied, which leads to the need for new antimicrobial studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and thermochemical death curve of disinfectant solutions from essential oils on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella Enteritidis. The essential oils of Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom), Eugenia caryophyllus (clove bud) and Foeniculum vulgare dulce (sweet fennel) were used. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined using dilution technique in Petridish. The concentrations tested were (%): 0.00 , 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 , 2.0, 2.5 , 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 , 4.5, and 5.0. Escherichia coli were the only bacteria sensitive to all oils at concentrations below 5%. Cloves did not inhibit the growth of S. aureus at the concentrations tested. Only the thyme essential oil inhibited the growth of Salmonella Enteritidis. Observing the thermochemical death curves of S. aureus one can see that the disinfectant solution containing thyme essential oil was the most effective, both at 25 and 40°C, requiring only 10min contact to no longer detecte viable cells. The disinfectant solution containing 0.25% thyme essential oil, both at 25 and 40°C removed S. Enteritidis cells after 10min. contact. For E. coli the best results were obtained with disinfectant solutions containing fennel and sweet clove essential oils at 25 and 40°C and thyme at 40°C. All treatments, except that containing cardamom essential oil, reduce the number of viable bacteria cells tested in at least 5log cycles, being considered suitable for use as disinfectants.