Monolaurin Incorproates Into Gram Positive Bacteria Cell Membranes

The combined lactic acid, monolaurin, and nisin effect on time to detection (OD 600) extension was greater (P<0.05) than any single or paired combination effect, which demonstrates a synergistic interaction among the antimicrobials. Monolaurin exposure caused C12:0 cell membrane incorporation. Lactic acid caused increased monolaurin C12:0 membrane incorporation, while nisin had no influence. We postulate that lactic acid enhanced monolaurin C12:0 incorporation into the cell membrane increased membrane fluidity resulting in increased nisin activity.