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Antifungal activity of octyl gallate
1Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley 94720-3112, USA. kfujita@sci.osaka-cu.ac.jp
International Journal of Food Microbiology
|October 10, 2002
Summary
Octyl gallate exhibits potent antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zygosaccharomyces bailii. Its fungicidal mechanism involves acting as a surfactant, impacting membrane fluidity and H+-ATPase activity.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Food Science
Background:
- Gallates are esters of gallic acid with potential antimicrobial properties.
- Understanding the antifungal spectrum and mechanism of gallates is crucial for applications in food preservation and medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antifungal activity of propyl, octyl, and dodecyl gallates against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zygosaccharomyces bailii.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of the active gallate compound.
Main Methods:
- Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) determination.
- Inactivation studies at different growth stages.
- Assessment of plasma membrane fluidity.
- Analysis of glucose-induced medium acidification.
Main Results:
- Octyl gallate demonstrated significant fungicidal activity against both yeast species, with MFCs of 25 µg/ml for S. cerevisiae and 50 µg/ml for Z. bailii.
- Octyl gallate was fungicidal throughout all growth stages and unaffected by pH.
- Octyl gallate reduced plasma membrane fluidity and inhibited glucose-induced medium acidification, suggesting H+-ATPase inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Octyl gallate is a potent antifungal agent with a primary mechanism of action as a nonionic surfactant.
- Its fungicidal effect is linked to membrane disruption and potential inhibition of plasma membrane H+-ATPase.