The antimicrobial properties of fatty acids have been reported in the scientific literature for over 100 years, but were largely forgotten with the advent of antibiotics. A renewed interest in the 1970’s prompted the scientific community to rediscover the potential antibacterial activity of fatty acids, which led to the publication of more comprehensive studies of their mechanism of action (MOA) on bacteria.
The MOA of fatty acids has been shown to involve the amphiphilic nature of the molecules, acting as detergents that aid in the solubilisation of lipids in the membrane of the bacteria causing cell lysis. At lower concentrations, fatty acids and monoglycerides can inhibit microbial growth by preventing cell division. In this way, the antimicrobials are interfering with essential cell processes.
Ten Carbon Chemistry have developed patented technology which allows fatty acids to solubilise in water, leading to the development of a highly efficacious suite of antimicrobial products with an exceptionally low toxicity profile.