Product Description

Natamycin, with the CAS number 7681-93-8, is a natural antifungal agent that has gained significant importance in various industries due to its unique properties and effectiveness.

Chemical Properties

Natamycin is a polyene macrolide antifungal compound. It is a white to yellowish crystalline powder with a molecular formula of C₃₃H₄₇NO₁₃. This compound is sparingly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and methanol. Its stability is affected by factors such as temperature, pH, and light. Under appropriate storage conditions, natamycin can maintain its activity for an extended period.

Mechanism of Action

Natamycin acts by binding to ergosterol, a key component of fungal cell membranes. This binding disrupts the integrity of the fungal cell membrane, leading to leakage of cellular contents and ultimately causing cell death. Natamycin is highly specific for fungal cells and has minimal effect on bacteria, viruses, and mammalian cells, making it a safe and targeted antifungal agent.

Applications

Food Industry

Cheese preservation: Natamycin is widely used in the cheese industry to prevent the growth of mold on the surface of cheeses. It helps extend the shelf life of cheese products without affecting their taste or texture.

Meat and poultry products: It can be applied to processed meat and poultry products to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast, ensuring food safety and quality.

Bakery products: In bread and other baked goods, natamycin can prevent the development of mold, especially in products with a long shelf life.

Wine and fruit juices: Used to prevent spoilage caused by yeast and mold in these beverages.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Ophthalmic preparations: Natamycin is an important component of some ophthalmic medications used to treat fungal eye infections. Its antifungal properties make it effective in combating ocular fungal infections.

Topical antifungal creams: May be included in topical formulations for the treatment of skin fungal infections.

Other Industries

Cosmetics: Can be incorporated into cosmetic products to prevent fungal contamination.

Agricultural applications: Some studies are exploring the potential use of natamycin in agricultural settings to control fungal diseases in plants.

Safety and Regulatory Status

Natamycin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Its use in food products is permitted within specified limits to ensure consumer safety. In the pharmaceutical industry, natamycin-containing products undergo rigorous testing and approval processes to ensure their efficacy and safety.

Advantages of Natamycin

Natural origin: Derived from natural sources, natamycin is preferred by consumers who are looking for natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives.

Targeted activity: Its specificity for fungal cells reduces the risk of disrupting the normal microbiota and causing adverse effects.

Broad-spectrum activity: Effective against a wide range of fungal species, providing comprehensive protection against fungal contamination.

Stable under various conditions: Can withstand different processing and storage conditions without significant loss of activity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, natamycin (CAS#7681-93-8) is a valuable natural antifungal agent with a wide range of applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and other industries. Its unique properties, including targeted activity, natural origin, and broad-spectrum effectiveness, make it an important tool for ensuring product quality, safety, and shelf life. With continued research and development, the potential applications of natamycin are likely to expand further, providing even more benefits to various industries and consumers.

Natamycin Basic information

Product Name	Natamycin
CAS	7681-93-8
MF	C33H47NO13
MW	665.73
EINECS	231-683-5
Mol File	7681-93-8.mol

Natamycin Chemical Properties

Melting point	2000C (dec)
Alpha	D20 +278° (c = 1 in CH3COOH)
Boiling point	952℃
Density	1.0 g/mL at 20°C (lit.)
Refractive index	1.5960 (estimate)
Solubility	Soluble in DMSO
Form	Aqueous suspension
Color	Cream colored
Water Solubility	0.41g/L (21℃)
Sensitive	Light Sensitive
Stability	Light sensitive