Glycerol monocaprate (monocaprin) reduces contamination by Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis on hard surfaces

Emulsions of glycerol monocaprate (monocaprin) kill a variety of pathogenic bacteria and viruses in suspension. In this study the microbicidal activity of monocaprin against enterobacteria was tested on contaminated hard surfaces. Surfaces were contaminated with nutrient broth or meat juice containing large numbers of Escherichia coli or Salmonella enteritidis. They were then treated with acidified monocaprin emulsions and the surviving bacteria counted. Monocaprin killed S. enteritidis in chicken meat juice on plastic cutting boards and reduced the number of viable E. coli and S. enteritidis by more than 5 log10 in 2 min on a laminated plastic kitchen counter contaminated with nutrient broth. Monocaprin rapidly killed E. coli on glass, stainless steel, laminated plastic, glazed ceramic tiles and polypropylene boards. It was most effective on glass and stainless steel and more effective on dry than on wet surfaces. It was concluded that acidified monocaprin emulsions reduce contamination by pathogenic enterobacteria on hard surfaces. They may be useful as sanitizers in the home, and possibly in public places, where contaminated surfaces are a potential source of transmission of pathogens to humans. Cleaning with monocaprin emulsions may therefore be a means to improve hygiene and infection control.