Activity of virgin coconut oil, lauric acid or monolaurin in combination with lactic acid against Staphylococcus aureus.
The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro activities of virgin coconut oil, lauric acid and monolaurin in combination with lactic acid against two strains of Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 25923 and an isolate from a pig carcass, by determination of Fractional Bactericidal Concentration Index (FBCI), time-kill method, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of lauric acid, monolaurin and lactic acid were 3.2 mg/ml, 0.1 mg/ml and 0.4% (v/v), respectively. The effects of lauric acid + lactic acid and monolaurin + lactic acid combinations were synergistic against both strains, exhibiting FBCIs of 0.25 and 0.63, respectively. In time-kill studies, lauric acid and monolaurin + lactic acid combinations added at their minimum inhibitory concentrations produced a bactericidal effect. The induction of stress in non-stressed cells was dependent on the type and concentration of antimicrobial. This resulted in a loss and change of the cytoplasm and membrane in cells of the bacterium. In contrast, virgin coconut oil (10%) was not active against S. aureus. The bacterial counts found in pork loin treated with lauric acid and monolaurin alone were significantly higher (p <0.05) than those treated with both lipids in combination with lactic acid at sub-inhibitory concentrations. The color, odor and overall acceptability of the pork loins were adversely affected by treatment with the three lipids and lactic acid alone but when combinations of the agents were used the sensory quality was acceptable.
Faculty of Technology and Community Development, Thaksin University Phatthalung Campus, Phatthalung, Thailand. putang3009@hotmail.com
Pussadee
P
Tangwatcharin
Prapaporn
P
Khopaibool
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D000074263:Coconut Oil; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004357:Drug Synergism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007848:Laurates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007850:Lauric Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D050178:Monoglycerides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects*; D013552:Swine
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D007848:Laurates; D007850:Lauric Acids; D050178:Monoglycerides; D010938:Plant Oils; C030358:lauric acid; C020777:monolaurin; D019344:Lactic Acid; D000074263:Coconut Oil