This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrowReprints and Permissions
Right arrow Copyright Information
Right arrow Books from ASM Press
Right arrow MicrobeWorld
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Alakomi, H.-L.
Right arrow Articles by Saarela, M.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Alakomi, H.-L.
Right arrow Articles by Saarela, M.
Agricola
Right arrow Articles by Alakomi, H.-L.
Right arrow Articles by Saarela, M.

 Previous Article  |  Next Article 

Applied and Environmental Microbiology, July 2006, p. 4695-4703, Vol. 72, No. 7
0099-2240/06/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/AEM.00142-06
Copyright © 2006, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Weakening Effect of Cell Permeabilizers on Gram-Negative Bacteria Causing Biodeterioration

H.-L. Alakomi,1* A. Paananen,1 M.-L. Suihko,1 I. M. Helander,1,2 and M. Saarela1

Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Espoo,1 Division of Microbiology, Department of Applied Chemistry and Microbiology, P.O. Box 56, FI-0014 University of Helsinki, Finland2

Received 19 January 2006/ Accepted 14 March 2006

Gram-negative bacteria play an important role in the formation and stabilization of biofilm structures on stone surfaces. Therefore, the control of growth of gram-negative bacteria offers a way to diminish biodeterioration of stone materials. The effect of potential permeabilizers on the outer membrane (OM) properties of gram-negative bacteria was investigated and further characterized. In addition, efficacy of the agents in enhancing the activity of a biocide (benzalkonium chloride) was assessed. EDTA, polyethylenimine (PEI), and succimer (meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic) were shown to be efficient permeabilizers of the members of Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas genera, as indicated by an increase in the uptake of a hydrophobic probe (1-N-phenylnaphthylamine) and sensitization to hydrophobic antibiotics. Visualization of Pseudomonas cells treated with EDTA or PEI by atomic force microscopy revealed damage in the outer membrane structure. PEI especially increased the surface area and bulges of the cells. Topographic images of EDTA-treated cells were compatible with events assigned for the effect of EDTA on outer membranes, i.e., release of lipopolysaccharide and disintegration of OM structure. In addition, the effect of EDTA treatment was visualized in phase-contrast images as large areas with varying hydrophilicity on cell surfaces. In liquid culture tests, EDTA and PEI supplementation enhanced the activity of benzalkonium chloride toward the target strains. Use of permeabilizers in biocide formulations would enable the use of decreased concentrations of the active biocide ingredient, thereby providing environmentally friendlier products.

* Corresponding author. Mailing address: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Biotechnology, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Espoo, Finland. Phone: 358 20 722 7158. Fax: 358 20 722 7071. E-mail: Hanna-Leena.Alakomi{at}vtt.fi.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology, July 2006, p. 4695-4703, Vol. 72, No. 7
0099-2240/06/$08.00+0     doi:10.1128/AEM.00142-06
Copyright © 2006, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.



This article has been cited by other articles:

  • Chusri, S., Villanueva, I., Voravuthikunchai, S. P., Davies, J. (2009). Enhancing antibiotic activity: a strategy to control Acinetobacter infections. J Antimicrob Chemother 64: 1203-1211 [Abstract] [Full Text]  


Copyright © 2009 by the American Society for Microbiology.   For an alternate route to Journals.ASM.org, visit: http://intl-journals.asm.org | More Info»