Undecanoic Acid

Undecanoic Acid (CAS No.: 112-37-8) is a medium-chain monocarboxylic fatty acid with well-documented antifungal activity, widely utilized in biomedical research to investigate fungal physiology, pathogenicity, and membrane biology. It exhibits cytotoxic effects against certain filamentous fungi, including dermatophytes such as Trichophyton rubrum, primarily through disruption of key enzymatic processes and membrane lipid homeostasis. Mechanistically, undecanoic acid interferes with the synthesis and activity of fungal exocellular enzymes, notably keratinases and lipases, while also perturbing the biosynthesis of membrane phospholipids, thereby compromising cell membrane integrity and function. These combined effects contribute to impaired fungal growth and viability and make the compound a useful tool for studying antifungal resistance mechanisms and enzyme regulation. In vitro activity is typically observed in the low micromolar to micromolar range depending on the organism and assay conditions, consistent with its role as a membrane-active fatty acid. Beyond its antifungal properties, undecanoic acid is also employed as an acylating agent in biochemical and medicinal chemistry applications, enabling the modification of larger biomolecules. In research settings, it is commonly applied in cell-based fungal models and occasionally in in vivo systems to evaluate antifungal responses, with concentrations or doses tailored to specific experimental designs and endpoints.