title: Antimicrobial activity of parabens in submicron emulsions stabilized with lecithin.
abstract: Antimicrobial efficacy of methyl and propylparaben combination as potential preservatives for submicron emulsions, and the effect of oil and lecithin concentration on the microbial growth were investigated. Parabens were ineffective in standard or doubled concentrations as per pharmacopoeial criteria. Poor growth inhibition and multiplication of reference strains point to protective and growth properties of submicron emulsions. No correlation was observed between oil/lecithin ratio and efficacy of parabens; partitioning of the latter into the oily phase and lipophilic domains could be the reason for such effect. Further studies are necessary to establish a stable and safe composition of such formulations.
authors.affiliation: Bacteriological Laboratory, Warsaw Pharmaceutical Works POLFA S.A., Warsaw, Poland. msznito@amg.gda.pl
authors.forename: Malgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Młynarczyk
authors.forename: Malgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sznitowska
authors.forename: Dorota
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Watrobska-Swietlikowska
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D004655:Emulsions; D054709:Lecithins / Q000737:chemistry; D010226:Parabens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013024:Soybean Oil / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004655:Emulsions; D054709:Lecithins; D010226:Parabens; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D013024:Soybean Oil; C015358:methylparaben; C006068:propylparaben