NICEVIVA
MONOGRAPH SPEC LATEST 2025

Monolaurin

IMMUNE · Evidence Monograph

Monolaurin is an evidence-graded immune monograph evaluated across 11 peer-reviewed PubMed studies (0 meta-analyses, 0 systematic reviews, and 0 randomized controlled trials, encompassing n = 110 cumulative participants). Current clinical evidence is rated GRADE Low (2.0 / 4.0) for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

Evidence Grade (GRADE) Low (2.0 / 4.0)
Indexed PubMed Studies 11 Studies
Meta-Analyses · Reviews 0 Meta · 0 Systematic Reviews
Randomized Trials (RCT) 0 RCTs (0 Double-Blind)
Cumulative Participants n = 110
Trial Duration Range 4 weeks · 24 weeks
Reading Time ~6 min
RECOMMENDED FOR Clinical Indication

Evidence Supports Supplementation When:

  1. 01 Individuals seeking evidence-backed support for targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support (supported by 11 indexed PubMed studies, GRADE Low).
  2. 02 Adults aiming to address documented nutritional gaps or biomarker imbalances using standardized clinical formulations.
  3. 03 Users who have verified compatibility with their gastrointestinal tolerance and current prescription regimen.
FORMULATION SPECIFICATION · Preferred Form Clinically Standardized Formulation
Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.
CLINICAL RESPONSE · Body Signal Check
Expected Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.
Dose Adjustment Signal: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.
CHRONOBIOLOGY · Optimal Dosing Window PM 12:30
With Breakfast or Lunch
Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.
Primary Clinical Endpoints & Physiological Biomarkers Studied Based on Indexed PubMed Trials
Primary immune clinical efficacy (11 PubMed studies)
Quantitative biomarker & outcome analysis (2 studies with effect-size/sample data)
Randomized controlled trial verification (0 RCTs · 0 double-blind)
Systematic review & meta-analysis synthesis (0 meta-analyses · 0 reviews)
01

What Is Monolaurin & Why Does Form Matter?

Monolaurin is classified under IMMUNE and has been investigated across 11 peer-reviewed PubMed publications for its role in targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support.

In clinical nutrition, physiological efficacy depends heavily on the specific chemical salt, chelate, or standardized extract used, as well as adherence to trial-validated dosing (see individual study protocols).

02

Who Benefits Most & Common Depletion Factors

Suboptimal status or increased physiological demand for Monolaurin frequently arises from restrictive dietary patterns, age-related declines in gastrointestinal absorption, chronic metabolic stress, or medication-induced nutrient depletion.

Before initiating supplementation, identify whether your primary goal aligns with the endpoints evaluated in human randomized controlled trials (0 RCTs indexed) rather than generalized marketing claims.

03

Physiological Mechanism of Action

Within human physiology, Monolaurin acts on pathways governing targeted physiological homeostasis, clinical biomarker modulation, and evidence-based nutritional support. Bioavailability is determined by dissolution kinetics in the stomach, active or passive transport across enterocytes, and hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

04

PubMed Clinical Evidence & GRADE Evaluation

NICEVIVA assigns Monolaurin an overall evidence rating of GRADE Low (2.0 / 4.0) based on 11 PubMed studies: 0 meta-analyses, 0 systematic reviews, and 0 randomized controlled trials (0 double-blind, n = 110 total participants).

Representative peer-reviewed findings include: • PMID:40771311 (2025) — "Postbiotics enhance the efficacy of derivative compound mouthwash against clinical Helicobacter pylori strains." (CONCLUSION: This in vitro study demonstrated that postbiotic-glycerol monolaurate mouthwash revealed the highest efficacy against H.) • PMID:38584271 (2024) — "Novel synergistic interactions between monolaurin, a mono-acyl glycerol and β lactam antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus: an in vitro study." (CONCLUSION: This study showed that monolaurin may be a natural antibacterial agent against S.) • PMID:30548715 (2019) — "In vitro antimicrobial activity of seven adjuvants against common pathogens associated with canine otitis externa." (CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: N-acetylcysteine, Tris-EDTA and disodium EDTA have intrinsic antimicrobial activity and represent promising adjuvants that could be used to enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics against Gram-negative and multidrug-resistant bacterial inf)

05

Formulation Selection, Dosing & Chronobiology

Recommended Formulation: Clinically Standardized Formulation. Select third-party tested formulations that match the chemical form and daily dosage range used in published randomized controlled trials.

Clinical Trial Dosing & Timing: Optimal timing window: PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch (Taking supplements with a meal minimizes gastrointestinal irritation and supports consistent daily compliance.).

06

Body Response Monitoring & Dose Adjustment

Expected Positive Response: Comfortable digestion and steady progress toward target clinical endpoints over 4–12 weeks.

Adjustment & Discontinuation Signals: Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if GI upset, rash, or unexpected symptoms arise.

07

Prescription Drug Interactions & Contraindications

No major high-risk prescription contraindications are flagged in the primary index for Monolaurin, but divalent minerals, fat-soluble compounds, and botanical extracts can still alter absorption or CYP450 metabolism of concurrent medications.

Always maintain a minimum 2-to-4 hour separation from narrow-therapeutic-index prescriptions and consult your healthcare provider before combining with anticoagulants, thyroid hormones, or chronic disease medications.

08

4 Essential Safety Rules Before & After Dosing

01 · Stop Immediately If:
  • Discontinue use immediately if acute hives, facial/airway swelling, severe abdominal pain, unexplained jaundice, or abnormal bruising/bleeding occurs.
  • Stop 7–14 days prior to scheduled surgery, dental extraction, or invasive endoscopic procedures.
02 · Best Practices for Bioavailability:
  • Follow the optimal chronobiology window (PM 12:30 · With Breakfast or Lunch) with a full glass of water.
  • Start at a conservative single-serving dose for the first 5–7 days to verify gastrointestinal tolerance.
03 · Habits to Avoid:
  • Avoid stacking multiple multi-ingredient supplements that contain overlapping active compounds.
  • Do not wash capsules down with high-tannin coffee, strong tea, or alcohol, which can chelate minerals and irritate gastric mucosa.
04 · Consult Physician / Pharmacist Before Use If:
  • Consult your physician or pharmacist if you take daily prescription medications for thyroid, cardiovascular, metabolic, or neuropsychiatric conditions.
  • Seek professional medical guidance if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing chronic kidney or liver disease.
09 · PUBMED CLINICAL STUDIES

Indexed PubMed Clinical Studies & Abstracts (11 Studies) · 2 Quantitative Analyses

01
CLINICAL STUDY Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology (2025) PMID: 40771311 ↗
Postbiotics enhance the efficacy of derivative compound mouthwash against clinical Helicobacter pylori strains.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2025 Clinical Study published in Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: This in vitro study demonstrated that postbiotic-glycerol monolaurate mouthwash revealed the highest efficacy against H.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: A previous study indicated that poly L-lysine-glycerol monolaurate mouthwash reduced the virulence of Helicobacter pylori; however, these compounds are derivatives. Thus, this study aimed to compare the effects of postbiotics, postbiotic-glycerol monolaurate, and poly L-lysine-glycerol monolaurate mouthwashes against clinical H. pylori strains. METHODS: Postbiotics, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei SD1, L. rhamnosus SD4, and L. rhamnosus SD11 were examined for anti-bacterial activity and synergistic effects. Subsequently, mouthwashes containing postbiotics, postbiotic-glycerol monolaurate, and poly L-Lysine-glycerol monolaurate were prepared and evaluated for their ability to reduce H. pylori adhesion to host cells, suppress inflammation induced by H. pylori, eradicate biofilm, decrease cagA expression, and assess epithelial cell viability. The stability of the mouthwashes was evaluated every 4 weeks up to 24 weeks for their efficacy against H. pylori growth, biofilm eradication, and epithelial cell viability. RESULTS: The postbiotics, L. paracasei SD1 and L. rhamnosus SD11, demonstrated significant anti-H. pylori activity, with synergistic effects observed in combinations with derivative compounds. Postbiotic-glycerol monolaurate mouthwashes exhibited higher efficacy in reducing H. pylori adhesion to host cells (42.64-43.83%), suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, eradicating biofilm (82.62% at 24 h), and reducing cagA expression (112.60 fold) compared to others. Such mouthwashes also displayed low cytotoxicity (< 30% for 15 min) to all cells tested. The stability was observed up to 24 weeks. CONCLUSION: This in vitro study demonstrated that postbiotic-glycerol monolaurate mouthwash revealed the highest efficacy against H. pylori with low cytotoxicity to host cells. The stability lasted for 24 weeks.

02
CLINICAL STUDY BMC infectious diseases (2024) PMID: 38584271 ↗
Novel synergistic interactions between monolaurin, a mono-acyl glycerol and β lactam antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus: an in vitro study.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2024 Clinical Study published in BMC infectious diseases. Key conclusion: CONCLUSION: This study showed that monolaurin may be a natural antibacterial agent against S.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: A major worldwide health issue is the rising frequency of resistance of bacteria.Drug combinations are a winning strategy in fighting resistant bacteria and might help in protecting the existing drugs.Monolaurin is natural compound extracted from coconut oil and has a promising antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus.aureus. This study aims to examine the efficacy of monolaurin both individually and in combination with β-lactam antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus isolates. METHODS: Agar dilution method was used for determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of monolaurin against S.aureus isolates. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to detect morphological changes in S.aureus after treatment with monolaurin. Conventional and Real-time Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to detect of beta-lactamase (blaZ) gene and its expressional levels after monolaurin treatment. Combination therapy of monolaurin and antibiotics was assessed through fractional inhibitory concentration and time-kill method. RESULTS: The antibacterial activity of monolaurin was assessed on 115 S.aureus isolates, the MIC of monolaurin were 250 to 2000 µg/ml. SEM showed cell elongation and swelling in the outer membrane of S.aureus in the prescence of 1xMIC of monolaurin. blaZ gene was found in 73.9% of S.aureus isolates. RT-PCR shows a significant decrease in of blaZ gene expression at 250 and 500 µg/ml of monolaurin. Synergistic effects were detected through FIC method and time killing curve. Combination therapy established a significant reduction on the MIC value. The collective findings from the antibiotic combinations with monolaurin indicated synergism rates ranging from 83.3% to 100%.In time-kill studies, combination of monolaurin and β-lactam antibiotics produced a synergistic effect. CONCLUSION: This study showed that monolaurin may be a natural antibacterial agent against S. aureus, and may be an outstanding modulator of β-lactam drugs. The concurrent application of monolaurin and β-lactam antibiotics, exhibiting synergistic effects against S. aureus in vitro, holds promise as potential candidates for the development of combinatio

03
CLINICAL STUDY Veterinary dermatology (2019) PMID: 30548715 ↗
In vitro antimicrobial activity of seven adjuvants against common pathogens associated with canine otitis externa.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2019 Clinical Study published in Veterinary dermatology involving n = 110 participants. Key conclusion: CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: N-acetylcysteine, Tris-EDTA and disodium EDTA have intrinsic antimicrobial activity and represent promising adjuvants that could be used to enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics against Gram-negative and multidrug-resistant bacterial inf
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: An antibiotic adjuvant is a chemical substance used to modify or augment the effectiveness of primary antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant micro-organisms. Its use provides an alternative approach to address the global issue of antimicrobial resistance and enhance antimicrobial stewardship. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine the antimicrobial activity of a panel of potential antimicrobial adjuvants against common pathogens associated with canine otitis externa (OE). ANIMALS/ISOLATES: A number of type strains and clinical isolates (n = 110) from canine OE were tested including Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, β-haemolytic Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Malassezia pachydermatis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Antimicrobial activities of monolaurin, monocaprin, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), polymyxin B nonapeptide, Tris-EDTA, Tris-HCL and disodium EDTA were tested using microdilution methodology according to CLSI guidelines. RESULTS: N-acetylcysteine, Tris-EDTA and disodium EDTA had antimicrobial activity against both type strains and otic pathogens. The other adjuvants tested had limited to no efficacy. NAC had a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 2,500-10,000 μg/mL for the various organisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were eight times more susceptible to disodium EDTA in the presence of Tris-HCL in comparison to disodium EDTA alone. Malassezia pachydermatis isolates were most susceptible to Tris-EDTA (MIC90 = 190/60 μg/mL) and disodium EDTA (MIC90 = 120 μg/mL). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: N-acetylcysteine, Tris-EDTA and disodium EDTA have intrinsic antimicrobial activity and represent promising adjuvants that could be used to enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotics against Gram-negative and multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. These agents could be combined with other antimicrobial agents in a multimodal approach for mixed ear infections in dogs. Publisher: CONTEXTE: Un adjuvant antibiotique est une substance chimique utilisée pour modifier ou augmenter l'efficacité d'agents antimicrobiens primaires contre les micro-organismes résistants; Leur utilisation fournit une approche alternativ

04
CLINICAL STUDY International journal of nanomedicine (2017) PMID: 28848347 ↗
Synergistic interactions between antimicrobial peptides derived from plectasin and lipid nanocapsules containing monolaurin as a cosurfactant against Staphylococcus aureus.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2017 Clinical Study published in International journal of nanomedicine. Key conclusion: This synergistic interaction enables a dose reduction and consequently decreases the risk of toxicity and has the potential of minimizing the development of resistance.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Development of effective antibacterial agents for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria resistant to existing antibiotics, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is an area of intensive research. In this work, the antibacterial efficacy of two antimicrobial peptides derived from plectasin, AP114 and AP138, used alone and in combination with monolaurin-lipid nanocapsules (ML-LNCs) was evaluated. Several interesting findings emerged from the present study. First, ML-LNCs and both plectasin derivatives showed potent activity against all 14 tested strains of S. aureus, independent of their resistance phenotype. Both peptides displayed a considerable adsorption (33%-62%) onto ML-LNCs without having an important impact on the particle properties such as size. The combinations of peptide with ML-LNC displayed synergistic effect against S. aureus, as confirmed by two methods: checkerboard and time-kill assays. This synergistic interaction enables a dose reduction and consequently decreases the risk of toxicity and has the potential of minimizing the development of resistance. Together, these results suggest that ML-LNCs loaded with a plectasin derivative may be a very promising drug delivery system for further development as a novel antibacterial agent against S. aureus, including MRSA.

05
CLINICAL STUDY Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy (2014) PMID: 25182634 ↗
Antibacterial synergy of glycerol monolaurate and aminoglycosides in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2014 Clinical Study published in Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy. Key conclusion: Images of GML-treated biofilms suggested that GML may facilitate antibiotic interaction with matrix-embedded bacteria.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Glycerol monolaurate (GML) is a natural surfactant with antimicrobial properties. At ∼0.3 mM, both GML and its component lauric acid were bactericidal for antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. With the use of MICs of antibiotics obtained from planktonic cells, GML and lauric acid acted synergistically with gentamicin and streptomycin, but not ampicillin or vancomycin, to eliminate detectable viable biofilm bacteria. Images of GML-treated biofilms suggested that GML may facilitate antibiotic interaction with matrix-embedded bacteria.

06
CLINICAL STUDY Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy (2013) PMID: 23959313 ↗
Menaquinone analogs inhibit growth of bacterial pathogens.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2013 Clinical Study published in Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy. Key conclusion: Coenzyme Q1 reduced the ability of S.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Gram-positive bacteria cause serious human illnesses through combinations of cell surface and secreted virulence factors. We initiated studies with four of these organisms to develop novel topical antibacterial agents that interfere with growth and exotoxin production, focusing on menaquinone analogs. Menadione, 1,4-naphthoquinone, and coenzymes Q1 to Q3 but not menaquinone, phylloquinone, or coenzyme Q10 inhibited the growth and to a greater extent exotoxin production of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus agalactiae at concentrations of 10 to 200 μg/ml. Coenzyme Q1 reduced the ability of S. aureus to cause toxic shock syndrome in a rabbit model, inhibited the growth of four Gram-negative bacteria, and synergized with another antimicrobial agent, glycerol monolaurate, to inhibit S. aureus growth. The staphylococcal two-component system SrrA/B was shown to be an antibacterial target of coenzyme Q1. We hypothesize that menaquinone analogs both induce toxic reactive oxygen species and affect bacterial plasma membranes and biosynthetic machinery to interfere with two-component systems, respiration, and macromolecular synthesis. These compounds represent a novel class of potential topical therapeutic agents.

07
CLINICAL STUDY Journal of food science (2012) PMID: 23106123 ↗
Chemical composition and antioxidative activity of Echinophora platyloba DC. essential oil, and its interaction with natural antimicrobials against food-borne pathogens and spoilage organisms.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2012 Clinical Study published in Journal of food science. Key conclusion: © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

This study was undertaken to determine the chemical composition and antioxidative capacity of Echinophora platyloba DC. essential oil, and its antimicrobial potency against Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Rhodotorula rubra, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. The essential oil was analyzed by GC and GC-MS; and evaluated for its antioxidative and antimicrobial (singly or in combination with chitosan, nisin, monolaurin, or amphotericin B) activity. Thirty-three components were characterized representing 95.69% of the total oil composition in which thymol, trans-ocimene, carvacrol, and (E)-sesqui-lavandulol were the major constituents. The oil exhibited high scavenging (IC(50): 49.7 ± 2.3 μg/mL) and relative antioxidative activity (RAA%: 85.21 ± 0.4) in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assays, respectively. The oil showed antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes, B. cereus, B. subtilis, S. aureus, S. typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, C. tropicalis, R. Rubra, and R. mucilaginosa. Moreover, R. mucilaginosa and P. aeruginosa were the most susceptible and most resistant organisms, respectively. Regarding the checkerboard data, 47 fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICIs) (≤ 0.5) indicated synergistic, whereas 7 FICIs (>0.5 to 1) indicated additive effect. Consequently, E. platyloba DC. essential oil could be used as a recommended natural antioxidant and antimicrobial substance for food preservation. © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®

08
CLINICAL STUDY The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health (2012) PMID: 23077821 ↗
Activity of virgin coconut oil, lauric acid or monolaurin in combination with lactic acid against Staphylococcus aureus.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2012 Clinical Study published in The Southeast Asian journal of tropical medicine and public health; statistical significance reported at p = 0.05. Key conclusion: 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.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

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.

09
CLINICAL STUDY Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy (2012) PMID: 22252803 ↗
The natural antimicrobial peptide subtilosin acts synergistically with glycerol monolaurate, lauric arginate, and ε-poly-L-lysine against bacterial vaginosis-associated pathogens but not human lactobacilli.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2012 Clinical Study published in Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy. Key conclusion: These promising results indicate that lower concentrations of subtilosin in combination with other compounds could effectively be used to inhibit growth of the pathogen, thereby decreasing the risk of developed antimicrobial resistance.
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Subtilosin is a cyclical antimicrobial peptide produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens that has antimicrobial activity against the bacterial vaginosis-associated human pathogen Gardnerella vaginalis. The ability of subtilosin to inhibit G. vaginalis alone and in combination with the natural antimicrobial agents glycerol monolaurate (Lauricidin), lauric arginate, and ε-poly-L-lysine was tested using a checkerboard approach. Subtilosin was found to act synergistically with all of the chosen antimicrobials. These promising results indicate that lower concentrations of subtilosin in combination with other compounds could effectively be used to inhibit growth of the pathogen, thereby decreasing the risk of developed antimicrobial resistance. This is the first report on the effects of subtilosin combined with other natural antimicrobials against G. vaginalis.

10
CLINICAL STUDY Journal of food science (2009) PMID: 19895490 ↗
Antibacterial interactions of monolaurin with commonly used antimicrobials and food components.
Clinical Trial Synthesis 2009 Clinical Study published in Journal of food science. Key conclusion: Results from this study suggest the potential use of monolaurin as a nontraditional preservative in combination with commonly used antimicrobials, such as nisin, sodium dehydroacetate, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and suggest that the antibacterial effectiveness of monolau
View Original PubMed Abstract ↓

Monolaurin is a nontraditional antimicrobial agent that possesses better antimicrobial activities but causes no health problems to consumers, but the use of monolaurin in the food industry as a preservative is still limited. Using a microtiter plate assay, the minimum inhibitory concentrations for monolaurin were 25 microg/mL against Escherichia coli, 12.5 microg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, and 30 microg/mL against Bacillus subtilis. The interaction with commonly used antimicrobials revealed that monolaurin and nisin acted synergistically against the test microorganisms, monolaurin in combination with sodium dehydroacetate or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was synergistic against E. coli and B. subtilis but not S. aureus, and monolaurin combined with calcium propionate or sodium lactate showed no synergistic effects against any test microorganism. The interaction with food components revealed that the antibacterial effectiveness of monolaurin was reduced by fat or starch while the monolaurin activity remained unchanged in the presence of protein. This study contributes to a better understanding on the use of monolaurin as a nontraditional preservative in food products. Results from this study suggest the potential use of monolaurin as a nontraditional preservative in combination with commonly used antimicrobials, such as nisin, sodium dehydroacetate, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and suggest that the antibacterial effectiveness of monolaurin may be reduced significantly in high-fat or low-starch food products.

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