Reversible Bacterial Depletion Aggregation and Restabilization by Water-Soluble Polymers.

ABSTRACT: Depletion forces are ubiquitous in soft materials and biological systems; however, their role in producing depletion aggregation of bacterial cells is becoming recognized as an important factor impacting bacterial growth and infection. The concentration of the depletant has been quantified only in limited cases. To provide a broader perspective, this work compares depletion aggregation of flagella-free Escherichia coli by several different macromolecules relevant to food and biomedical applications, to provide perspective on the concentration range of each polymer that produces aggregation: both the onset of depletion aggregation and restabilization. The macromolecules include hyaluronic acid, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), guar, and albumin, in comparison to previously published results

SUBMITTER: Weinhofer AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12614645 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature