Effects of 1,1'-hexamethylene-bis-[(5-p-chlorophenyl)-biguanide] on the genome and on the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins in the bacterial cells

The strongly effective bactericidal compound 1,1'-hexamethylene-bis-(5-p-chlorophenyl)-biguanide] (HCG), which is used as a disinfectant alterates the DNA of B. subtilis as shown in the rec assay, induced auxotrophic mutants in E. coli B and causes prophage induction in Micrococcus lysodeikticus 53-40 (N5). In vivo experiments with E. coli B have demonstrated that HCG extensively breaks down bacterial DNA and interacts with the synthesis of cellular DNA to the similar extent as found for N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). The structural integrity of ribosomes and of ribosomal subunits remains intact in the presence of HCG.