Manuka honey chelates iron and impacts iron regulation in key bacterial pathogens

• DOI: 10.1111/jam.14534
• Publication Date: 2019-11-29T11:30:49Z
• Authors: L.M. Ankley; M.P. Monteiro; K.M. Camp; R. O’Quinn; A.R. Castillo
• Keywords: Manuka Honey

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that Manuka honey (MH) chelates iron and promotes an iron-limiting environment, which contributes its antimicrobial activity.Employing a ferrozine-based assay, we observed MH is chelator depletes from solution. Siderophores are small molecules bind ferric (III) with high affinity their levels upregulated by bacteria under conditions. We demonstrated quantitating siderophore production Escherichia coli Pseudomonas aeruginosa treated sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) experience environment increase production. In addition, supplementation ferrous (II) significantly increased growth E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus P. cultured at MIC above in nonsupplemented controls. By contrast, for only aeruginosa, controls.Manuka iron, thereby generating lesser extent S. aureus, properties.Our work demonstrates MH-induced chelation mechanism differentially impacts bacterial species tested here. Iron affects multiple diverse physiological processes would contribute lack resistance MH. metabolism tightly regulated; require essential nutrient survival, but excess it toxic. Additional exploration MH's will facilitate future use mainstream medicine.