Transcriptomic approach and membrane fatty acid analysis to study the response mechanisms of Escherichia coli to thyme essential oil, carvacrol, 2-(E)-hexanal and citral exposure.

The transcriptomic data obtained signify a further step to understand the mechanisms of action of natural antimicrobials also when sublethal concentrations and short-term exposure. In addition, this research goes in deep correlating the transcriptomic modification with the changes in E. coli FA composition of cell membrane identified as the main target of the natural antimicrobials.