The Antimicrobial Mode of Action of Maltol and Its Synergistic Efficacy with Selected Cationic Surfactants

Maltol, mostly used as a flavoring molecule, also has various potential applications biomedical compound. Despite its extensive use in the food industry, maltol’s antimicrobial activity was evaluated only briefly, and suggested to be insufficient on own. Recently, we have shown that maltol can conjunction with cationic surfactant species receive higher against contaminant microorganisms. In this paper, broadened efficacy studies evidenced mode of action Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria, fungi. addition, increase efficacy, blends two selected surfactants, dodecyl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride (DDAC) polyquaternium 80 (P-80), were appraised for their activity. Broad revealed synergistic interactions between both surfactants most tested Electron microscopy images evaluate microorganisms’ morphology following treatment, pinpointing specific cell wall damage caused by each compounds. Our findings indicate effect microbial complemented catalytic amounts enhance extend Such solution broad-spectrum preservative personal care products cosmetic applications.