Natamycin
from class: Microbiology Definition Natamycin is an antifungal agent used to control the growth of fungi, particularly molds and yeasts. It is commonly employed in food preservation and as a topical treatment for fungal infections.
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Predict what's on your test 5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test Natamycin inhibits fungal growth by binding to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, disrupting their function. It is widely used in the dairy industry to prevent spoilage of cheese and other dairy products. Natamycin is effective against a broad spectrum of fungi but has limited activity against bacteria. The compound is considered safe for human consumption with minimal toxicity when used as a food additive. Natamycin can also be applied as a topical antifungal treatment for eye infections like keratitis. Review Questions How does natamycin inhibit fungal growth? In what industries or applications is natamycin commonly used? What are the safety considerations for using natamycin in food preservation? "Natamycin" also found in:
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