Influence of Surface Active Agents on Some Lactic Streptococci

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Abstract
Fatty-acids and other surface active agents were studied to clarify the relationship of surface activity to the inhibition of lactic streptococci. There was complete inhibition of lactic streptococci in media where surface activity exceeded a critical level. The effectiveness of inhibition by fatty-acids, nonionic surface active agents, anionic surface active agents, decyl alcohol, growth medium and temperature variation was directly related to the surface activity. The surface active agents created an unfavorable environment at most concentrations, rather than acting as a specific inhibitory substance to which the organisms adapted and resumed normal growth. The variety of chemical compounds and conditions that produce a common physical effect indicate that the inhibition involves physical phenomena at the bacterium:menstruum interface.