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[Comparative cytologic studies on the effect of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide on bacterial cells]
Abstract:
Growing cultures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus megaterium show after treatment with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) typical concentration-dependent alterations of envelope. In Ps. aeruginosa low doses of the detergent cause perforations and lesions of the cytoplasmic membrane, by 0.016% CTAB the formation of extracellular vesicles of the outer membrane ("blebs") and the intracellular assembly of lamellar structures can be detected. These intracellular lamellar structures are artifacts of the cytoplasmic membrane after detergent application. In this case the conglomeration of bacterial cells can be demonstrated with the scanning electron microscope. The results are discussed in connection with the use of CTAB in inactivation and permeabilization of bacteria.
Insights
Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) causes concentration-dependent envelope alterations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus megaterium. CTAB induces cytoplasmic membrane damage and outer membrane blebs, impacting bacterial cell structure.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Cell Envelope Studies
- Detergent Effects on Microorganisms
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus megaterium are common bacteria.
- Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is a cationic surfactant with known antimicrobial properties.
- Understanding CTAB's interaction with bacterial cell envelopes is crucial for its applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on the cell envelope structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus megaterium.
- To characterize the concentration-dependent alterations induced by CTAB.
- To evaluate the implications of these structural changes for bacterial inactivation and permeabilization.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus megaterium.
- Treatment with varying concentrations of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB).
- Scanning electron microscopy to visualize cellular morphology and envelope alterations.
Main Results:
- CTAB induced concentration-dependent alterations in bacterial envelopes.
- Low CTAB doses caused perforations and lesions in the cytoplasmic membrane of Ps. aeruginosa.
- Higher CTAB concentrations led to outer membrane blebs and intracellular lamellar structures (artifacts) in Ps. aeruginosa, with cell conglomeration observed.
Conclusions:
- CTAB significantly disrupts bacterial cell envelope integrity in a dose-dependent manner.
- The observed structural changes, including membrane damage and vesicle formation, are relevant to CTAB's efficacy in bacterial inactivation and permeabilization.
- CTAB's detergent properties lead to significant morphological changes in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.