Cellular effects of monohydrochloride of l-arginine, Nalpha-lauroyl ethylester (LAE) on exposure to Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2004.02207.x
• Publication Date: 2004-04-08T11:09:48Z
• Authors: E. Rodriguez; J. Seguer; X. Rocabayera; A. Manresa
• Keywords: Propidium iodide; Cell membrane; Acriflavine

Aims: Here we study the effect of monohydrochloride l-arginine, Nα-lauroyl ethylester (LAE), a cationic preservative derived from lauric acid and arginine, on cell envelopes Salmonella typhimurium Staphylococcus aureus at sub-lethal concentration such as their respective minimal inhibitory concentrations, 32 8 μg ml−1, respectively. Methods Results: Bacterial populations were studied by using transmission electron fluorescence microscopy (TEM FM), flow cytometry (FC) ion-flux across cellular membrane. Cell integrity was altered mainly in outer membrane S. typhimurium, but there no significant change cytoplasm. However, Staph. aureus, clear zones, abnormal septation mesosome-like structures observed double-stained with propidium iodide (PI) SYTO-13 for FC analysis. In proportion damaged cells after 24 h 97% 56·3%. LAE induced transmembrane ion flux, increase potassium leakage 30 min contact 7·7 3·34 ml−1 Membrane disruption detected measuring proton Conclusions: Disturbance potential structural changes caused LAE, although not disrupted. Significance Impact Study: This is first time effects bacterial studied.