Reutericyclin
Reutericyclin is a tetramic acid antibiotic produced by the bacterium Limosilactobacillus reuteri that has potential use as a food preservative. Reutericyclin is a hydrophobic, negatively charged molecule with the molecular formula C20H31NO4.
Reutericyclin disrupts the cell membrane of sensitive bacteria by acting as a proton ionophore. Reutericyclin has a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive bacteria, but has no effect on Gram-negative bacteria because the lipopolysaccharide in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria prevents access by hydrophobic compounds.