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Mechanism of action and preservative principle 

preservatives are a class of additives that can inhibit microbial activity and prevent spoilage of products such as food or cosmetics. They play a crucial role in ensuring food safety and extending the shelf life of products. The following are the main mechanisms of action and principles of preservatives: 

1. Interference with the enzyme system of microorganisms 

Preservatives can inhibit enzyme activity by interfering with the enzyme system of microorganisms and disrupting their normal metabolic processes. This way of action makes microorganisms unable to grow and reproduce normally. 2.

2. Coagulation and denaturation of microbial proteins 

Certain preservatives can coagulate or denature microbial proteins, thereby interfering with their survival and reproduction. This mechanism affects microbial life by altering the structure of proteins, causing them to lose their original function.

3. Altering the permeability of the plasma membrane 

Preservatives can also alter the permeability of the plasma membrane of microorganisms, inhibiting the elimination of enzymes and metabolites from their bodies and leading to cell inactivation. By affecting the integrity of the cell membrane, this mode of action prevents the entry of nutrients and the elimination of wastes, ultimately leading to the death of the microorganism.

4. Affecting genetic material or the structure of genetic particles 

Some preservatives are able to act on the genetic material or the structure of genetic particles of microorganisms, affecting processes such as replication of the genetic material, transcription and translation of proteins. This mechanism prevents microorganisms from reproducing and growing by interfering with their gene expression.

5. Influence of environmental factors 

The action of preservatives is also influenced by environmental factors, such as temperature, pH, osmotic pressure, radiation, hydrostatic pressure, water source, nutrients, oxygen, organic growth factors, etc. These factors can affect the effect of preservatives, for example, under acidic conditions, certain preservatives have a strong inhibitory ability against molds, yeasts and bacteria.

To summarize 

Preservatives inhibit the growth and multiplication of microorganisms through a variety of mechanisms, thereby extending the shelf life of products such as food or cosmetics. Understanding these mechanisms of action and principles of preservation helps to select appropriate preservatives to ensure product safety and effectiveness. In practical application, appropriate preservatives should be selected according to the specific use environment and target microorganisms, and used in strict accordance with relevant standards to avoid adverse effects on human health.