A wide range of oligo(p-Phenylene ethynylenes) has been shown to exhibit good biocidal activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In the current studies, the interactions of a specific cationic OPE with spore-forming Bacillus atrophaeus are investigated. In agreement with our previous findings, this compound effectively kills B. atrophaeus vegetative cells, presumably by severe perturbations of the bacterial cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane. However, electron microscopy imaging and flow cytometry assays reveal that this compound also strongly induces germination of B. atrophaeus spores in the dark. Additional work in progress is shedding light on mechanisms by which germination occurs upon exposure to OPEs and similar polymeric biocides. These studies will monitor induced germination of B. anthracis, whichis notorious for its role as the causative agent of anthrax: an acute, life-threatening disease that infects mammals and humans by cutaneous, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal pathways. Previous work conducted by Lu et al. (2005) suggests that OPEs and other light-activated compounds should be lethal biocides to B. anthracis Sterne, in addition to acting as a germinant.

Cationic oligo(p-phenylene ethynylenes) (OPEs) induce germination of spore-forming <i>B. atrophaeus</i>

247th National Meeting (2014)

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Cationic oligo(p-phenylene ethynylenes) (OPEs) induce germination of spore-forming B. atrophaeus