Leucidal® SF Complete is a mixture of antimicrobial peptide technology. One type of the antimicrobial peptides is originally derived from the lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus. Like many members of the lactic acid bacteria family, Lactobacillus is capable of restricting the growth of other microorganisms by acidifying its environment. However, Lactobacillus also produces novel antimicrobial peptides known as bacteriocins that are capable of providing effective protection against bacteria. Lysozyme is added to the ferment filtrate during the manufacturing process to facilitate controlled cell lysis and ensure the release of the antimicrobial peptides for maximized activity. Using modern fermentation and bioprocessing technology, Active Micro Technologies has commercialized this antimicrobial peptide to produce Leucidal® SF Complete.

The other type of antimicrobial peptide is created from fermenting Cocos nucifera (Coconut) with Lactobacillus. Coconut oil has been traditionally used to treat skin disorders, yeast infections, ringworm, and even athlete’s foot. About 50% of the total fatty acid content of coconut oil are medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s) that exhibit natural antifungal activity. MCT’s, such as lauric acid, work by disrupting the cellular structures of fungus and destroying them before they can wreak havoc. During the fermentation process, lipopeptides are catabolized by the MCT’s present in coconut flesh. Active Micro Technologies has harnessed natural phytocompounds and lipopeptides from coconut to produce a novel antifungal material.

Natural antimicrobial products are similar to synthetic preservative systems in that they are effective against bacteria, however most natural antimicrobial products lack broad-spectrum effectiveness against bacteria and fungi, specifically yeast and mold. Leucidal® SF Complete uses a combination of peptide technology to deliver moisturizing and conditioning benefits as well as providing broad-spectrum activity to protect against bacteria, yeast, and mold in one product.

As with all biological materials, attention must be paid to the conditions under which Leucidal® SF Complete is used. Based on bench-scale evaluations, as well as actual product applications, Leucidal® SF Complete has been found to be effective over a wide range of typical cosmetic and personal care product manufacturing conditions. The product has been found to be heat stable up to 70°C and active under both acidic (pH 3) and basic (pH 8) conditions.