The cytoplasmic membrane as the site of the antimicrobial action of N-octylethanolamine

On agar spread plates, N-octylethanolamine was biocidal at comparable minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (3–4mm) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (two strains), Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Candida tropicalis, and Acremonium sp. which had been grown on a number of different media. The inhibition was greater at higher pH values. In liquid culture, growth inhibition by 3mm N-octylethanolamine was accompanied by cell lysis. Both effects could be prevented by the presence of 1mm spermine or spermidine, but only in bacteria, and not at high pH values. These effects of the polyamines were shown to be non-specific, being shared by other polycations and Mg²⁺ ions. N-Octylethanolamine at concentrations above its MIC caused total inhibition of the oxidation of 1mm glucose by Ps. aeruginosa (CAS1 and PAO1), E. coli, or C. tropic an effect that was partially reversible by Mg²⁺ ions. At concentrations below the MIC, there was little inhibit ion of glucose oxidation but a potent inhibition of the extrusion of ethidium bromide from intact cells of E. coli, suggesting that at such concentrations N-octylethanolamine is uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. The data presented confirm the view that the biocidal effects are due to action on the cytoplasmic membrane.