Use of methylsulfonylmethane (msm) to inhibit microbial activity

Abstract

Disclosed herein are methods of use of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) to modulate microbial activity, such as to enhance or inhibit the activity of microorganisms. In one example, MSM (such as about 0.5% to 5% MSM) is used to enhance fermentation efficiency, such as to enhance fermentation efficiency associated with the production of beer, cider, wine, a biofuel, dairy product or any combination thereof. Also disclosed are in vitro methods for enhancing the growth of one or more probiotic microorganisms and methods of enhancing growth of a microorganism in a diagnostic test sample. Methods of inhibiting microbial activity are also disclosed. In one particular example, a method of inhibiting microbial activity includes selecting a medium that is susceptible to H1N1 influenza contamination; and contacting the medium with MSM at a concentration of about 10% to about 16% of weight by volume, thereby inhibiting H1N1 influenza microbial activity.

1 . A method of inhibiting microbial activity, the method comprising:
 selecting a medium that is susceptible to H1N1 influenza contamination; and   contacting the medium with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) at a concentration of about 10% to about 16% of weight by volume, thereby inhibiting H1N1 influenza microbial activity.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the medium comprises a bodily fluid, a bodily tissue, or a surface. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein contacting the medium comprises spraying or wiping the medium susceptible to microbial contamination with MSM. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein contacting the medium comprises spraying or wiping the medium with MSM. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the surface is a household surface, bedding, coverings, industrial equipment or surface, blood, skin or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein MSM is provided in a composition, wherein said composition is free of bleach or free alcohol or consists essentially of water. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein MSM is provided in a composition, wherein said composition is free of bleach or free alcohol or consists essentially of water. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising sterilizing the medium after adding said MSM. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said medium is free from preservatives. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the MSM inhibits the microbial activity by reducing growth rate of H1N1 influenza by at least 50% as compared to the growth rate of H1N1 influenza in the absence of MSM. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the MSM inhibits the microbial activity by reducing growth rate of H1N1 influenza by at least 50% as compared to the growth rate of H1N1 influenza in the absence of MSM.