Toward A Mechanistic Understanding of Biodeterioration of Fuel - A Study of Molecule-Membrane Interactions of Bacteria in Fuel Rich Environments
Abstract
Growth of microorganisms inside storage facilities of aircraft fuel is known to cause fuel degradation. Prevention of this degradation process so that fuel can be stored for use in time of needs has been an important goal of Air Force research activities. As microorganisms typically grow in aqueous environments rich with nutrients, how do microorganisms adapt to fuel rich environments to survive and even proliferate has become an intellectually important topic for research. Microorganisms regulate their interaction with the environment through their membranes. Therefore, it is essential that we understand how microorganism membranes function under hostile environmental conditions, in particular how bacterial membranes stop undesirable molecules from entering the bacteria cell. In this study, we propose to use a surface sensitive optical method to probe interactions of molecules with membranes of microorganisms in environments mimicking the fuel-water interface where bacteria are found to proliferate. The effect of temperature, an important environment-defining property, on molecular transport at bacteria membranes will be examined. Further, we will test the effectiveness of antimicrobials developed for eliminating microorganisms in fuel rich environments. This study will provide new and important mechanistic information useful for understanding how microorganisms adapt to fuel rich environments. Subsequently this information can be used for designing strategies of suppressing the growth or even eliminating microorganisms in fuel storage facilities. The PI’s laboratory in the last decade with the support of AFOSR has developed Second Harmonic Light Scattering as a powerful technique for probing molecular adsorption and transport at the membranes of living cells including bacteria. During the last several years, the PI’s laboratory, in collaboration with Dr. Oscar Ruiz, Senior Biological Scientist of the Air Force Research Laboratory and a world leader in the characterization of microorganisms involved in fuel biodeterioration, has made important advances on understanding the functions of efflux pumps in ejecting undesirable molecules from bacteria cells and how the molecule PAβN functions as an Efflux inhibitor. In this proposal we build on the progress that has been made and continue to examine molecular adsorption and transport at bacteria membranes as affected by factors such as different membrane structures, environmental conditions including temperature and acidity, and the variety of molecules found in fuel storage facilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 29, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310207
Entities
People
- Hai-Lung Dai
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Temple University
- United States Air Force