Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Farnesoic Acid Derivatives

The biological activities of farnesoic acid derivatives against pathogenic fungi and bacteria were investigated. Farnesoic acid and its derivatives showed growth inhibitory activities against various bacteria Among the compounds tested, geranylgeranoic acid (3) had potent antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Proteus vulgaris, and Bacillus subtilis with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in the range of 6.25-12.5 μg/ml. On the other hand, amide derivatives of farnesoic acid showed some antifungal activities. In particular, 3,7,11-trimethyl-dodeca-2,6,10-trienoic acid amide (5a) had a potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Trichophyton sp. with MIC in the range of 6.25-25 μg/ml.