Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) belongs to one of the strongest pathogens groups that can stimulate the human immune system. This molecule also known as endotoxin comes from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria cell wall. Gram-negative bacteria shed-out LPS in the form of blebs from its outer membrane particularly after biofilms successfully mature in events where stagnated waters occur. Despite its pathophysiological toxicity mechanism are well-established, little is known about its interaction in water sources that ultimately reach people. Furthermore, understanding the physical and chemical characteristics of LPS in water media will help to elucidate its initial physical and chemical condition to design specific inhibiting treatments. LPS are amphipathic molecules that can self-aggregates into different sizes and structures.  Removing LPS from water systems had been a challenge because of its high variability in size and its high resistance to temperature or pH changes. In this study, the interactions of LPS and calcium ions (Ca2+) had been studied and characterized to fundamentally understand its biochemical interaction when in aqueous media.  Results have demonstrated different structural responses that will serve as the groundwork principle to develop further technology for water purification. The observed interaction had been characterized via dynamic light scattering (DLS), surface charge, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) among others. The details for this investigation methods and analytical techniques will be presented

Understanding how the initial water condition containing calcium ions (Ca2+) affects mutant bacterial lipopolysaccharides (Ra LPS) structure

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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