Palmitic acid, known as hexadecanoic acid, possesses both antifungal and antibacterial properties and exhibits a cidal effect

Palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid) is a saturated fatty acid that is widely found in nature and has valuable medicinal and pharmacological applications. Although its antiproliferative effects on cancer cells are well documented in the literature, studies evaluating its antimicrobial activity as a pure compound remain quite limited. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial and antifungal activity of 98% pure palmitic acid against five bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and five yeast strains (Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis, Candida albicans). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of palmitic acid was 65 mg/mL against S. aureus, and 130 mg/mL against the other four bacterial species tested. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values against bacterial strains ranged from 130 mg/mL to 260 mg/mL. Furthermore, according to antifungal activity test results, the MIC values of palmitic acid were 32.5 mg/mL against C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata, and 65 mg/mL against C. krusei, C. tropicalis, and C. albicans. The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) values against Candida species ranged from 65 to 130 mg/mL. In conclusion, this study provides detailed MIC and MBC/MFC data on the antimicrobial potential of pure palmitic acid. Overall, palmitic acid showed slightly higher efficacy against Candida species than against bacteria. This preliminary study proved the antibacterial and antifungal activity of palmitic acid and paved the way for its use in medical, healthcare, and industrial fields with further advanced studies.