[The lipolytic activity of dermatophytes]

Dermatophytes are able to crack the fatty acid molecule of polyoxyethylensorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), polyoxyethylensorbitan monopalmitate (Tween 40), polyoxyethylensorbitan monostearate (Tween 60), and polyoxyethylensorbitan monooleate (Tween 80). The hydrolysis of this medium occurs due to lipolytical enzymes of dermatophytes. The liberated fatty acids bind up the calcium, which is added in the medium. They are visible as insoluble crystals around the colonies.