“Green” Synthesis of Sucrose Octaacetate and Characterization of Its Physicochemical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Sucrose octaacetate (octa-O-acetylsucrose) has been synthesized by esterification of sucrose with acetic anhydride using ultrasound-assisted irradiation. This sucrose ester is a white, water-insoluble substance with a bitter taste. The FT-IR and NMR spectra confirmed acetylation and revealed the hydrophobic incorporation in sucrose molecule. Furthermore, the foamability, foam stability, emulsification and antimicrobial properties of octa-O-acetylsucrose were evaluated. Foams and 50 % (oil/water) model emulsions were prepared with 2 % (w/w) octa-O-acetylsucrose. The obtained results demonstrate the formation of emulsions and foams with high stability (50–70 %). The antimicrobial activity of octa-O-acetylsucrose was evaluated against seventeen microorganisms (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and fungi). Octa-O-acetylsucrose inhibited the growth of fungi Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp. and Fusarium moniliforme at 5 mg cm–3, and yeasts Candida albicans at 1 mg cm–3. Inhibition against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was not observed. The obtained results demonstrate the potential applications of octa-O-acetylsucrose as a foaming agent, oil-in-water emulsion stabilizer, and antifungal substance in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations.

Keywords

• octa-O-acetylsucrose
• ultrasound-assisted synthesis
• foam
• antimicrobial properties