Product Information
- Furan, 2-hexyl-
2-Hexylfuran is a short-chain, unsaturated fatty acid that is an oxidation product of fats and oils. It has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, but not against bacterial spores. 2-Hexylfuran binds to the cell wall of bacteria by reacting with the polysaccharides in the cell wall. This binding inhibits the synthesis of lipids and proteins, leading to cell death. 2-Hexylfuran also inhibits acetate extract from Bacillus megaterium cells, which may be due to its ability to bind fatty acids or β-unsaturated aldehydes inside the cells. 2-Hexylfuran has been found in foods such as cheese and butter, where it is produced by chemical reactions between lactic acid from dairy products and amino acids from whey protein.
