Characterization of the lipopolysaccharide ofVeillonella parvula ATN and growth conditions affecting its yield

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ofVeillonella parvula ATN, a human oral isolate, was characterized. Lipid A accounted for, approximately 55% of the weight of the LPS complex. Major fatty acids included tridecanoic acid, 3-hydroxytridecanoic acid, and 3-hydroxypentadecanoic acid. Glucose was the only hexose detected. Amino compounds included glucosamine, galactosamine, and glycine. Heptose and 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonic acid (KDO) were also present. Alterations in the culture medium formulation affected LPS extraction yields. Furthermore, evidence was presented for the existence of a heterogeneous LPS component, with changes in growth conditions giving rise to more or less hydrophilic types of LPS.