Effects of Caproic and Caprylic Acids on Microbial Growth and Cytotoxicity

Abstract

In order to assess the potential use of fatty acids and their derivatives as alternatives to the regionally banned antibiotics, the bacteriocidal and cytotoxic effects of caproic (hexanoic) and caprylic (octanoic) acids were investigated. Fatty acids at various concentrations were added to media containing Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and murine fibroblast cells. At 0.5% (w/v) concentration of hexanoic acid, both S. aureus and E. coli growth occurred, however, octanoic acid was effective on inhibition of growth of both bacteria above 1% level. At the same time octanoic acid above 0.5%, hexanoic acid above 0.25% levels inhibited mammalian cell growth. Both acids decreased the medium pH linearly with increasing concentration. Further investigation is needed to prove that they may be usable for in vivo applications.