Reuterin

Reuterin is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound produced by the bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri. It is a multi-component system consisting of acrolein, 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA), and the hydrate of 3-HPA. Reuterin has been shown to inhibit the growth of a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, yeasts, and fungi.

Production

Reuterin is produced by Lactobacillus reuteri during the anaerobic metabolism of glycerol. The bacterium uses a unique metabolic pathway to convert glycerol into 3-HPA, which then spontaneously forms a hydrate and acrolein, the active components of reuterin.

Mechanism of Action

The antimicrobial activity of reuterin is primarily due to acrolein. Acrolein is a highly reactive compound that can interact with various cellular components, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. This can lead to cell death by disrupting essential cellular processes.

Applications

Reuterin has potential applications in various fields due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. It can be used in the food industry to prevent the growth of foodborne pathogens. In medicine, it can be used as a potential treatment for infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, it can be used in agriculture to control plant diseases caused by microbial pathogens.

Safety

While reuterin has potent antimicrobial activity, it is generally considered safe for use. This is because Lactobacillus reuteri, the bacterium that produces reuterin, is a part of the normal human gut microbiota and is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Research

Research on reuterin is ongoing to better understand its antimicrobial activity and potential applications. Current research focuses on optimizing the production of reuterin and investigating its mechanism of action.

See Also

• Lactobacillus reuteri
• Antimicrobial
• Glycerol