Non-aqueous glycerol monolaurate gel exhibits antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens

Elizabeth A Mueller; Patrick M Schlievert

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0120280

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Non-aqueous glycerol monolaurate gel exhibits antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Non-aqueous glycerol monolaurate gel exhibits antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens

Elizabeth A Mueller and Patrick M Schlievert

PloS one, Vol.10(3), pp.e0120280-e0120280

2015

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120280

PMCID: PMC4370562

PMID: 25799455

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Abstract

Skin and surgical infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii are causes of patient morbidity and increased healthcare costs. These organisms grow planktonically and as biofilms, and many strains exhibit antibiotic resistance. This study examines the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of glycerol monolaurate (GML), as solubilized in a non-aqueous vehicle (5% GML Gel), as a novel, broadly-active topical antimicrobial. The FDA has designated GML as generally recognized as safe for human use, and the compound is commonly used in the cosmetic and food industries. In vitro, bacterial strains in broths and biofilms were exposed to GML Gel, and effects on bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) were assessed. In vivo,subcutaneous incisions were made in New Zealand white rabbits; the incisions were closed with four sutures. Bacterial strains were painted onto the incision sites, and then GML Gel or placebo was liberally applied to cover the sites completely. Rabbits were allowed to awaken and were examined for CFUs as a function of exposure time. In vitro, GML Gel was bactericidal for all broth culture and biofilm organisms in <1 hour and <4 hour, respectively; no CFUs were detected after the entire 24 h test period. In vivo, GML Gel inhibited bacterial growth in the surgical incision sites, compared to no growth inhibition in controls. GML Gel significantly reduced inflammation, as viewed by lack of redness in and below the incision sites. Our findings suggest that 5% GML Gel is useful as a potent topical antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent for prevention of infections.

Biofilms - drug effects

Rabbits

Gram-Positive Bacteria - physiology

Monoglycerides - therapeutic use

Gels

Gram-Positive Bacteria - drug effects

Biofilms - growth & development

Monoglycerides - pharmacology

Laurates - therapeutic use

Drug Carriers - chemistry

Laurates - chemistry

Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use

Gram-Negative Bacteria - drug effects

Animals

Surgical Wound Infection - drug therapy

Anti-Bacterial Agents - chemistry

Laurates - pharmacology

Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology

Gram-Negative Bacteria - physiology

Monoglycerides - chemistry

Details

Title: Subtitle: Non-aqueous glycerol monolaurate gel exhibits antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens
Creators: Elizabeth A Mueller - Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
Patrick M Schlievert - Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: PloS one, Vol.10(3), pp.e0120280-e0120280
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120280
PMID: 25799455
PMCID: PMC4370562
NLM abbreviation: PLoS One
ISSN: 1932-6203
eISSN: 1932-6203
Publisher: Public Library of Science; United States
Language: English
Date published: 2015
Academic Unit: Microbiology and Immunology; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984001203402771

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