P. 10-13 /

In vitro synergistic effect of 5-pyrrolidone-2-carboxylic acid (PCA) and copper sulphate pentahydrate (CS) against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis

MARCO BIAGI

University of Siena, Department of Environmental Sciences “G. Sarfatti”, Via T. Pendola 62, Siena 53100, Italy

Abstract

In order to develop alcohol free antimicrobial agents withresidual activity for hand cleaning, this in vitro study evaluates the action of 5-pyrrolidone-2-carbxylic acid (PCA) and copper sulphate pentahydrate (CS) and their synergy. PCA, CS and PCA + CS were tested against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE) that are the most common pathogens of skin. PCA and CS have a moderate antimicrobial effect, since the MinimalInhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimal BactericidalConcentration (MBC) of PCA is 3.125 mg/mL against SE to 6.250 mg/mLagainst SA in all of experiments while MIC and MBC of CS against SAand SE is 6.250 mg/mL. The MIC and the MBC of PCA + SC are significantly lower: The MIC and the MBC against SA in all experiments is 0.781 mg/mL PCA + 0.781 mg/mL CS and the same MIC and MBC areobserved against SE. Results highlight effectiveness and antimicrobial synergy between PCA and CS at low and safe concentrations.


...