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Effects of Mannosylerythritol-Lipids-B on Cutibacterium acnes ATCC 6919
Ana L S Coelho1, Denise A Laroque1, Paulo E Feuser1
1Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-900 Brazil.
Abstract:
Mannosylerythritol-lipids-B (MEL-B) are microbial-produced glycolipids with skincare properties, notably moisturizing, antimelanogenic, antimicrobial, and antiaging. Thus, there is a potential use of MEL-B in a formulation for treating acne-prone skin. This study investigated the antimicrobial effect of MEL-B against the Gram-positive bacteria Cutibacterium acnes. The broth macro dilution method was used to evaluate the growth of C. acnes (3-4 CFU/mL), in the absence (positive control) or presence of MEL-B (128, 192, 256, and 512 μg/mL). Additionally, the leakage of genetic materials was used to determine the potential drug-induced membrane disruption of glycolipids. The amount of DNA and RNA release was quantified spectrophotometrically at 260 nm. Macro dilution technique and membrane integrity experiments showed that MEL-B does not have antimicrobial activity against C. acnes. Indeed, MEL-B assisted C. acnes growth. Ultimately, MEL-B has been reported as a remarkably active compound for skincare formulations; however, preliminarily, it should be avoided for acneic skin.
Insights
Mannosylerythritol-lipids-B (MEL-B) do not inhibit Cutibacterium acnes growth and may even promote it. Therefore, MEL-B is not recommended for acne-prone skin formulations despite its other skincare benefits.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mannosylerythritol-lipids-B (MEL-B) are microbial glycolipids with known skincare benefits, including moisturizing and antiaging properties.
- Their potential application in treating acne-prone skin warrants investigation due to reported antimicrobial effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of MEL-B against Cutibacterium acnes.
- To determine if MEL-B disrupts the membrane integrity of C. acnes.
Main Methods:
- Broth macro dilution method to assess C. acnes growth in the presence of varying MEL-B concentrations.
- Quantification of DNA and RNA leakage spectrophotometrically to assess membrane disruption.
Main Results:
- MEL-B did not exhibit antimicrobial activity against C. acnes at tested concentrations.
- MEL-B appeared to support or enhance C. acnes growth.
- No significant membrane disruption was observed, indicated by minimal genetic material leakage.
Conclusions:
- MEL-B is not effective in inhibiting C. acnes growth.
- Contrary to expectations, MEL-B may promote C. acnes proliferation.
- Based on these findings, MEL-B should be avoided in skincare formulations targeting acne-prone skin.
