Effect of organic N-halamines on selected membrane functions in intact Staphylococcus aureus cells |
| |
Authors: | D E Williams L J Swango G R Wilt S D Worley |
| |
Institution: | Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences and Mathematics, Auburn University, Alabama 36849. |
| |
Abstract: | Two N-halamine compounds, 3-chloro-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolidinone and 1,3-dichloro-4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-imidazolidinone, were compared with free chlorine as to their effects on selected membrane functions of intact Staphylococcus aureus cells. Free chlorine was found to cause a loss of permeability control, as measured by the efflux of potassium from the cells and a dramatic increase in hydrogen ion permeability, and to affect cell respiration in a nonreversible fashion, as measured by oxygen uptake. The two N-halamines were found to have very little effect on permeability to either potassium or hydrogen ions but were both found to dramatically inhibit respiration in a reversible manner. It is proposed that the first step in the disinfection process by these N-halamines is an inhibition of respiratory enzymes that, if not reversed, ultimately leads to a loss of cell viability. |
| |
Keywords: | |
|
|