Reuterin

Reuterin is a potent antimicrobial multi-compound produced by Lactobacillus reuteri, during the metabolism of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol catalysed by the coenzyme B12-dependent diol dehydrase. Reuterin consists of 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde, its hydrate, and its dimer in dynamic equilibrium. At concentrations above 1.4M, the HPA dimer is predominant; at concentrations relevant for biological systems, however, HPA hydrate is the most abundant, followed by the aldehyde form.