Abstract
Hydrophobic polycations previously developed by us efficiently kill E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus on contact. As visualized by electron microscopy herein, these pathogenic bacteria incur marked morphological damage from the exposure to these N-alkylated-polyethylenimine "paints" which results in the leakage of an appreciable fraction of the total cellular protein. The quantity and composition of that leaked protein is similar to that released upon traditional lysozyme/EDTA treatment, thus providing insights into the mechanism of action of our microbicidal coatings.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
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Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
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Escherichia coli / drug effects*
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Escherichia coli / ultrastructure
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Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
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Polyamines / chemistry
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Polyamines / pharmacology*
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Polyelectrolytes
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Polyethyleneimine / chemistry
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Polyethyleneimine / pharmacology*
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Protein Transport / drug effects
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Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
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Staphylococcus aureus / ultrastructure
Substances
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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Bacterial Proteins
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Polyamines
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Polyelectrolytes
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polycations
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Polyethyleneimine