[Utilization of various omega-guanidoalkylphosphonic acids by Pseudomonas aeruginosa]

Bacterial growth was studied in synthetic media containing guanidomethyl-, 2-guanidoethyl-, 3-guanidopropyl- or 4-guanido-1-aminobutyl-phosphonic acid, as a possible nitrogen or phosphorus source. Among these four compounds, 2-guanidoethylphosphonic acid (2-GEPh) appeared to be the only efficient nitrogen nutrient. Our results are discussed in light of recent data on Pseudomonas aeruginosa amidinohydrolases. In addition, 2-GEPh proved to be a valuable source of phosphorus; the phosphorus group of its higher homologue 3-guanidopropylphosphonic acid was also used, but the linear bacterial growth curve reflected a limited rate of phosphate release. The characterization of ethylguanidine and propylguanidine in the corresponding culture filtrates suggests a hydrolytic process similar to that described for 3-aminopropylphosphonic acid.