The effect of primary aliphatic
alcohols of varying chain length and degree of unsaturation on bacterial growth was assessed, using Strep. mutans
BHT as the main test organism. Unsaturated
alcohols, linoleyl and linolenyl, effectively inhibited bacterial growth. Of the saturated
alcohols, only lauryl and myristyl
alcohols inhibited the growth of Strep. mutans
BHT, but at concentrations much higher than those required for the unsaturated
alcohols. All Gram-positive organisms tested were sensitive to
linolenyl alcohol. Gram-negative bacteria did not exhibit the sensitivity. Linoleic and
linolenic acid were inactive as
antibacterial agents at the same concentration as the related alcohol. Repeated exposure of Strep. mutans
BHT to
linolenyl alcohol produced no change in the sensitivity of the organism to the alcohol. Significant amounts of
linolenyl alcohol were found in bacteria grown in the presence of this
lipid for 24 h but
linolenic acid was not detected. Thus the primary polyunsaturated aliphatic
alcohols, particularly
linolenyl alcohol, could be effective
antibacterial agents for the prevention of
dental caries and
periodontal disease.