Decontamination Of Bacterial Spores by a Peptide-Mimic
Abstract
The threat of bioterrorism involving pathogenic microorganisms, most importantly Bacillus anthracis, has called urgent attention to detailed studies of bacterial spores, especially from the point of view of their decontamination. Bacterial spores are the most resistant life forms known. The spores are dormant species and they have to undergo the process of germination first before they can be subjected to deactivation. In this work, we demonstrate that a peptide-mimic (cationic, amphiphilic) chemical agent, dodecylamine is capable of performing the dual functions of germinating the dormant spore as well as deactivating it. We have followed the kinetics of germination by dodecylamine to show that germination is a relatively rapid process. We show that dodecylamine exhibits a broad spectrum germinating activity against various Bacillus spores, although there is some species variability. We demonstrate that dodecylamine is capable of efficiently deactivating the spores in suspension medium providing a 5 to 6 log-kill. Further, we have produced hydrophobic polymer nanofibers integrating dodecylamine, to facilitate their use as protective coatings on various surfaces. We demonstrate significant anti-sporal activity of 2 log-kill (99% of the spores) for these nanofibers even without the optimization of the nanofiber characteristics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA481836
Entities
People
- Charlene M. Mello
- R. Nagarajan
- Rebekah Ashley
- Wayne S. Muller
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center