Effect of Dodecyl Succinic Acid on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Its Reversal by Formaldehyde and Iron

Abstract

Summary

The anionic detergent dodecyl succinic acid increases the rate of swelling of cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa incubated in phosphate or Tris buffer pH 6.7. It is more effective in the latter buffer. Formaldehyde and ferrous sulfate partially protect the cell from this action of the detergent. Mercuric chloride increases the rate of swelling equally in both buffers, and ferrous sulfate but not formaldehyde protects the cells. EDTA also increases rate of swelling but more effectively in Tris than in phosphate buffer. These results indicate that chelation of iron or its displacement from the cell membrane by mercury facilitates ion influx. The reversal of the detergent effect by formaldehyde indicates that its carboxyl groups make ionic bonds with amino groups and this also facilitates ion influx.