Effect of cations on the structure of bilayers formed by lipopolysaccharides isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.
J Phys Chem B
; 112(27): 8057-62, 2008 Jul 10.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18549267
ABSTRACT
The asymmetric outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria contains lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) which contribute significantly to the bacterium's surface properties and play a crucial role in regulating membrane permeability. We report on neutron diffraction studies performed on aligned, self-assembled bilayers of Na-, Ca-, and Mg-salt forms of LPS isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. From the one-dimensional neutron scattering length density profiles we find that water penetrates Ca2+-LPS bilayers to a lesser extent than either Na+- or Mg2+-LPS bilayers. This differential water penetration could have implications as to how small molecules permeate the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and, possibly, how nonlamellar phases are formed.
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
/
Cations
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Lipopolysaccharides
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Lipid Bilayers
/
Metals
Language:
En
Year:
2008
Type:
Article