The mediation of small molecule uptake via the complexity of living cell membranes is difficult to assess with conventional methodologies. Second harmonic generation (SHG) has proven especially useful in this regard not only due to its interfacial selectivity but also its sensitivity to local environment and ordering. Here I will describe how SHG has elucidated the role of exogenous ions in the binding of the antibiotic, daptomycin. In addition, the combination of SHG, kinetic modeling, and membrane probe molecules is providing us new pathways to extract dynamic information about the adaptability of bacteria to their environmental conditions and associated stressors.

New insight into living bacterial membranes via second harmonic generation

ACS Fall 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.