[Detection of lipopeptide complexes in lipid fractions of Proteus mirabilis]

Covalently bonded complexes of phospholipids with peptides were detected in the lipid fractions of Proteus mirabilis. The lipopeptides were developed with ninhydrin after treating thin-layer chromatograms with H1 or 0.1 N HCl at 100 degrees C for 4 hours. The complexes can be chromatographed in silicic acid unfixed layers using neutral or weakly acidic systems of solvents. The complexes break down in layers fixed with gypsum or treated with diluted alkali solutions. The complexes can contain several phospholipid molecules which make them soluble in organic solvents. The lowest proportion between phospholipids and peptide components was 4:1. Apparently, the complexes contain O-ester and pyrophosphoric bonds.