中鏈的α-單脂肪酸甘油酯主要對革蘭氏陽性細菌有作用，但似乎也具有抗病毒的特性。由於這些α-單脂肪酸甘油酯的兩親性，它們形成膠束，使它們能夠融入這些微生物的脂質膜，從而改變滲透性。中鏈的α-單脂肪酸甘油酯甚至可能破壞這些細菌的細胞膜和使病原體病毒的囊膜洩漏（圖6）。此外，革蘭氏陽性菌和囊膜病毒沒有完整的膜，不能有效的粘附和侵入宿主細胞，從而不能感染和繁殖。
Alpha-monoglycerides of MCFA have mainly effects against gram positive bacteria, but also seem to have antiviral properties. Due to the amphiphilic nature of these α-monoglycerides they form micelles, which may provide them with the ability to get incorporated into the lipid membrane of these microorganisms, thereby altering the permeability. Alpha-monoglycerides of MCFA may even disrupt the cell membrane of these bacteria and the fat envelop of viruses which makes the pathogen leaky (Figure 6). Furthermore, gram positive bacteria and fat enveloped viruses can not properly adhere to, and invade, a host cell without an intact membrane. In this way infection and multiplication will not be possible.
此外，還認為α-單脂肪酸甘油酯對膜的幹擾會改變跨膜信號轉導，從而抑制有害的外顯蛋白。而且，更多的親脂性分子，如中鏈的α-單脂肪酸甘油酯，更傾向於從腸細胞向淋巴系統轉運，而不是通過門靜脈到肝臟。這樣一來，除了腸道中的直接抗菌作用外，這些α-單脂肪酸甘油酯還具有系統性作用，因為它們被完整地運輸到身體的其他器官，在那裡它們可以幫助抵禦感染。
Furthermore, it is thought that interference of α-monoglycerides with the membrane modifies the transmembrane signal transduction which results in inhibition of harmful exoproteins. Moreover, it is suggested that more lipophilic molecules like α-monoglycerides of MCFA have more tendency to be transported from the enterocytes to the lymphatic system instead of going via the portal vein to the liver. In this way, besides the immediate antimicrobial effect in the intestine, these α-monoglycerides have a systemic effect as they are transported intact to other organs of the body where they can help fighting infections.
總之，中鏈α-單脂肪酸甘油酯如：α-單辛酸甘油酯、α-單葵酸甘油酯、α-單月桂酸甘油酯對革蘭氏陽性軍更有效。進行了多項研究，已經證明了α-單脂肪酸甘油酯在體外和體內的均有抗菌作用，很多科學文獻表明，中鏈的α-單脂肪酸甘油酯，尤其是α-單月桂酸甘油酯，具有抗病毒的特性。
In contrast,α-monoglycerides of MCFA like α-monocaprylin, α-monocaprin and α-monolaurin are more efficient against gram positive bacteria. Multiple studies have been conducted which prove the antibacterial effect of α-monoglycerides in vitro and in vivo. In addition, scientific literature is suggesting α-monoglycerides of MCFA, and more particularly α-monolaurin, have antiviral properties.
圖五(Figure 5).
中鏈α-單脂肪酸甘油酯甘油酯對細菌的作用方式。
The mode of action of α-monoglycerides of MCFA’s on bacteria
短鏈的α-單脂肪酸甘油酯和中鏈的單甘油酯的作用方式略有不同。
The mode of action of α-monoglycerides of SCFA and-monoglycerides of MCFA are slightly different.
短鏈的α-單脂肪酸甘油酯主要對革蘭氏陰性菌有作用。人們認為沒有一種作用方式，但是這些α-單脂肪酸甘油酯有幾種作用方式可以影響細菌。細菌需要甘油來維持其重要功能和膜的形成。甘油是由細菌通過專門的蛋白質通道（水甘油三酯）從環境中吸收的。短鏈的α-單脂肪酸甘油酯可被認為是甘油，並通過這些通道被動轉運。在細菌內部，酶分解單脂肪酸甘油酯，釋放脂肪酸，降低細菌內部的酸鹼度。或者，這些蛋白通道也可能被α-單脂肪酸甘油酯阻斷，因為它們的分子結構比甘油大。結果，細菌不再能夠吸收甘油，並將死亡。此外，脂肪酸還可以通過在轉錄水平下調基因來改變DNA，並抑制參與宿主細胞入侵的蛋白質生成（TTSS複合物）。
Alpha-monoglycerides of SCFA have mainly an effect against gram negative bacteria. It is thought that there is not one mode of action, but that there are several ways these α-monoglycerides can affect bacteria. Bacteria need glycerol for vital functions and to build up their membrane. Glycerol is taken up from the environment by the bacteria through specialized protein channels (aquaglyceroporin). The α-monoglycerides of SCFA may be recognized as glycerol and passively be transported through these channels. Inside the bacteria enzymes break down the _-monoglycerides and the fatty acid is released which lowers the internal pH of the bacteria. Alternatively, these protein channels may also be blocked by α-monoglycerides, since their molecular structure is larger compared to glycerol. As a result bacteria are no longer able to take up glycerol and will die. In addition, the fatty acid can alter DNA by down regulation of the genes at transcription level and inhibit the protein production involved in invasion of host cells (TTSS Complex).
圖六(Figure 6).
短鏈α-單脂肪酸甘油酯對細菌的作用模式
The mode of action of α-monoglycerides of SCFAs on bacteria