Biruk Bayleyegn Belete

Research Title: Examination of changes to the microbiome and immune response of the nasal cavity and eye during inhalation of essential oils.

Supervisors: Professor Mark Willcox, Dr Jerome Ozkan, Dr Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan

Research Abstract: The use of novel alternatives such as essential oils (EO) experienced a surge during the COVID pandemic and continues afterwards. More than 3000 compounds have been identified in Eos and interact with human microbial communities. Among the most well-known and commercially available essential oils are those derived from tea tree, eucalyptus, frankincense, and cinnamon. Many of these compounds have promising antimicrobial activity as well as low toxicity, and anti-inflammatory actions.

However, no well-designed studies have examined whether exposure to EOs can change the normal microbiota of the nose or eye (some of the first places exposed to the essential oils during use), whether there is a longitudinal effect (i.e. more exposure leads to greater changes) or whether the oils can affect the immune response of the nose or eye.

Therefore, this project aims to investigate the microbiome change of the nose and eye during use of essential oils using a combination of MALDI-ToF and 16s RNA sequencing. If there are changes to the microbiomes, this may have profound effects on the use of essential oils. Changes that may be of benefit would include reductions in pathogenic microbes but maintenance of a normal microbiome. Changes that may be of concern include major changes in the normal microbiomes, and overgrowth with potentially pathogenic microbes.