EXTRACTION AND PURIFICATION OF ENDOTOXIN FROM ENTEROBACTERIACEAE: A COMPARISON OF SELECTED METHODS AND SOURCES

Fukushi, K. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratory, Hamilton, Mont.), R. L. Anacker, W. T. Haskins, M. Landy, K. C. Milner, and E. Ribi. Extraction and purification of endotoxin from Enterobacteriaceae: a comparison of selected methods and sources. J. Bacteriol. 87:391-400. 1964.-Endotoxins containing only 0.2% N (accounted for by amino sugars) and 2% ester- and amide-linked fatty acids (calculated as palmitic acid) were prepared from Salmonella enteritidis. These products were of high biological potency, and were rapidly destroyed by acid hydrolysis. Equally potent acid-susceptible products were derived from different strains of Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens. No correlation was evident between potency and content of nitrogen, fatty acids, and hexosamine; however, low values for carbohydrate were invariably associated with reduced endotoxic activity. Factors such as strain, method of cultivation, and extraction procedure markedly affected the chemical composition and activity of primary extracts. Results are given which demonstrate significant advantages in the use of cell walls for the isolation and purification of endotoxins.