Antimicrobial properties of tannins
review Grade B 1991
Authors: Scalbert, A.
Journal: Phytochemistry
Key Findings
- Comprehensive review of antimicrobial mechanisms of tannins
- Tannins inhibit microbial enzymes and deprive microorganisms of substrates
- Both condensed and hydrolyzable tannins show antibacterial and antifungal activity
Review of the antimicrobial properties of tannins. Establishes the mechanisms by which tannins inhibit microbial growth: enzyme inhibition, substrate deprivation, and direct membrane disruption. Relevant to peat because tannins are a significant component of sphagnum-derived peat and contribute to its antimicrobial environment.
tanninsantimicrobialphenolicmechanismbacteriafungi