A study of the inhibitory concentrations of glycerin-sorbitol and propylene glyco-sorbitol combinations on the growth of microorganisms.

Glycerin and sorbitol were found to supplement each other in their inhibition of both molds and bacteria. It is believed that this inhibitory action is purely one of osmotic effect. Propylene glycol appears to have a specific inhibitory effect against bacteria and most molds; the addition of 10% w/v propylene glycol was found to inhibit the growth of these organisms. Thirty per cent w/v propylene glycol is required to inhibit Monilia albicans. Studies have indicated that the inhibition produced by the addition of propylene glycol to sorbitol solutions is not purely the result of osmotic effect, as is the case with glycerin, but probably one related to its chemical structure. It may, therefore, be concluded that propylene glycol has a significant and useful preservative activity in many preparations including those made with sorbitol.