A study into the anti-microbial properties of an amino functionalised polymer using multi-parameter flow cytometry

Abstract

Fluorescent staining techniques were used to study the anti-microbial properties of aqueous suspensions of a novel, water insoluble amino functionalised polymer on three micro-organisms Pseudomonas fluorescens, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Saccharomyses cerevisiae. The mechanism of action was similar for each organism in that, after various contact times with the polymer, a progressive change in individual cell physiological state was measured using multi-parameter flow cytometry. The microbiocidal activity of this polymer may be similar to that of substances referred to as polycationic, amphipathic compounds (peptides, peptide derivatives and other polyamines).

Potential of the polymer poly-[2-(tert-butylamino) methylstyrene] as antimicrobial packaging material for meat products

“…fluorescens , Hewitt et al . () observed a higher sensitivity of Gram positive bacteria to poly(TBAEMA) than Gram negative bacteria. Ps.…”

“…Based on the results of their study, they assumed the existence of a protective function of the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria (Hewitt et al . ). Similar findings were described by Chung et al .…”

“…The cytoplasmic membrane is depolarized resulting in permeability and cell death (Hewitt et al . ). Lenoir et al .…”

“…This reaction could lead to an increase in the local pH value and electrostatic interactions between the positively charged polymer and the negatively charged surface of bacteria in physiological solutions. The cytoplasmic membrane is depolarized resulting in permeability and cell death (Hewitt et al 2004). Lenoir et al (2006) assumed that the mode of action of poly(TBAEMA) relies on the exchange of Ca 2+ and/or Mg 2+ cations at the outer membrane of Gram negative bacteria through protonated functional amino groups.…”

Towards Integration of Biorefinery and Microbial Amino Acid Production

“…This topic has already been addressed in Section 6.4.2 when the use of lignocellulose was discussed. Advanced monitoring technologies such as cytometry [47,48] and DNA microarray analysis of gene expression [49,50] might be used to monitor toxicity effects, to reveal the nature of toxicity, and to search for metabolic engineering or strain breeding strategies to overcome the hurdles caused by toxic compounds. Recently, metabolic flux analysis has been applied to acidtolerant yeast Candida milleri which would be ideal to convert industrial pulp mill xylose containing waste streams into xylitol [51].…”