## 4 Discussion
While the specific mechanism by which \(p\)-cymene exhibits its antibiofilm activity is still being investigated, it has been suggested that its ability to disrupt quorum sensing and interfere with the production of extracellular polymeric substances is a potential mechanism of action [52]. [PERSON] et al. [32] suggested that thymol can alter cell membrane permeability, disturbing both protein synthesis and binary fission and thus inhibiting bacterial growth. In their study, they tested thymol against _Staphylococcus aureus_ ATCC BAA-1717 (MRSA) biofilm formation at concentrations ranging between 8 and 64 mg/mL, and they observed a reduction in biofilm formation between 27% and 63.9%. In accordance with the results of the present study, [PERSON] et al. [53] showed that thymol possessed stronger antimicrobial activity and a stronger inhibitory effect against \(S\). _mutans_ biofilm formation than carvacrol and clove oil was recorded. [PERSON] et al. [54] demonstrated that thymol exhibited stronger antibiofilm activity against _Candida tropicalis_ than citrol. Moreover, thymol can have a synergistic effect with other naturally derived or chemical compounds (i.e., citral, antibiotics, etc.). [PERSON] et al. [55] unveiled the synergistic effect of citral and thymol in biofilm inhibition formation by MRSA ATCC 33591, compared to the antibiofilm activity when the compounds were used separately. According to [PERSON] et al. [56], the combination of thymol with three different antibiotics (amikacin, kanamycin, and streptomycin) against four _Salmonella enterica_ serovars decreased the MBICs of antibiotics against biofilm formation. Additionally, a combination of amikacin with thymol resulted in a 32-fold decrease in the MBIC against \(S\). Enteritidis biofilm formation, while a combination of kanamycin with thymol in a 1-fold decrease and streptomycin with thymol in an 8-fold reduction. Carvacrol, as a natural compound found in various plants, including oregano, thyme, and marjoram, is well-known for its antibacterial properties and is effective in the treatment of biofilm formation [57]. In a recent study by [PERSON] et al. [58], carvacrol was evaluated for its antibiofilm activity against \(S\). _mutans_ and _Streptococcus sanguinis_, and the MBIC values were determined at 93.4 \(\upmu\)g/mL for both strains. Furthermore, carvacrol has been found to possess anti-virulence potential and disrupt the extracellular matrix of biofilms, inhibiting their formation and promoting their dispersal [59]. The mechanism of action is probably attributed to the ability of carvacrol to disrupt the extracellular matrix of biofilms. A synergistic effect of carvacrol with other antimicrobial agents and compounds has also been observed in \(L\). _monocytogenes_, in accordance with the above results, suggesting that carvacrol may be used in combination therapies to enhance its antibiofilm activity and overcome antibiotic resistance [51]. \(\gamma\)-Terpinene was lesseffective against pathogenic bacterial biofilms compared to \(p\)-cymene and thymol. It is a naturally occurring secondary metabolite (monoterpene hydrocarbon) present in many medicinal plants [60]. [PERSON] et al. [60] showed that \(\gamma\)-terpinene alone or in combination with tetracycline was generally less effective against pathogenic biofilms, in accordance with the results of the present study, as we observed higher MBIC values for \(\gamma\)-terpinene in comparison to thymol, carvacrol, and \(p\)-cymene in most bacteria tested. The results of this study emphasized the potential of EOs, WSTRc extracts, and their primary components as alternative or complementary treatments for addressing biofilm-related infections. Further exploration into the specific mechanisms through which these components demonstrate their antibofilm effects will be crucial for optimizing their therapeutic effectiveness and devising successful combination therapies to improve their efficacy.