Natamycin Wholesale Price,Effect of pH Value on Bacteriostatic Effect

The pH value has a significant impact on the antibacterial effect of natamycin, which is specifically as follows:

In an acidic environment: Natamycin has a better antibacterial effect under acidic conditions. Generally speaking, when the pH value is within the range of 3 to 6, the activity of natamycin is relatively stable, and it can effectively inhibit a variety of molds and yeasts. For example, when the pH value is between 4 and 5, it has a strong inhibitory effect on common molds such as Aspergillus niger and Penicillium, as well as yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This is because in an acidic environment, the molecular structure of natamycin is relatively stable, enabling it to interact better with the cell membranes of microorganisms. It can insert into the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane, increasing the permeability of the cell membrane and causing the substances inside the cell to leak out, thereby inhibiting the growth and reproduction of microorganisms.

In neutral and alkaline environments: As the pH value rises and enters the neutral and alkaline ranges, the antibacterial effect of natamycin will gradually decline. When the pH value exceeds 7, its solubility will decrease, and its molecular structure may change, resulting in a decrease in the affinity with the cell membranes of microorganisms, making it difficult to exert an effective antibacterial effect. For example, in an alkaline environment with a pH value of 8 to 9, the inhibitory effect of natamycin on most molds and yeasts is significantly weakened. The degree of inhibition of microbial growth decreases, and microorganisms may even resume growth to a certain extent.

Different microorganisms have different sensitivities to the pH value, and the inhibitory effect of natamycin on them will also vary with changes in the pH value. Therefore, in practical applications, it is necessary to reasonably select and use natamycin according to specific microbial species and the environmental pH value to achieve the best antibacterial effect.