Utilização de óleo essencial de tomilho (thymus vulgaris) como potencial acaricida para abelhas.

Abstract

The use of essential oils has been gaining more and more attention, not only commercially but also in research. This usage shows positive results in various areas, demonstrating its potential primarily for use as a bactericide and acaricide. One of the highlights for this purpose is the essential oil of thyme, Thymus vulgaris. Its potential as an acaricide and bactericide arises from the presence of thymol in its chemical composition. Due to this characteristic, the aim of this study was to use thyme essential oil as a potential acaricide for the Varroa destructor mite, which infests bees and can lead to hive loss. However, essential oils are characterized by their high volatility, which limits their use as potential acaricides. To achieve greater stability of the oil concerning volatility, one alternative is microencapsulation. This process can keep the oil isolated from the environment and provide controlled release. The essential oil was microencapsulated with different matrix materials4sodium alginate, gum arabic, guar gum, and xanthan gum4using two techniques, ionic gelation and spray drying. Four protocols were conducted with the different encapsulants and techniques, analyzing the stability and activity of the emulsion, encapsulation yield and efficiency, and kinetics of release of the encapsulated essential oil. Through data modeling and analysis, it was possible to understand that a balance between guar gum and xanthan gum provides stability and efficiency in encapsulation. Formulating a base incorporating both gums may provide a potential acaricide, delaying the volatilization of the essential oil.