Photoinduced membrane damage of E. coli and S. aureus by the photosensitizer-antimicrobial peptide conjugate eosin-(KLAKLAK)2.

ABSTRACT:

Background/objectives

Upon irradiation with visible light, the photosensitizer-peptide conjugate eosin-(KLAKLAK)2 kills a broad spectrum of bacteria without damaging human cells. Eosin-(KLAKLAK)2 therefore represents an interesting lead compound for the treatment of local infection by photodynamic bacterial inactivation. The mechanisms of cellular killing by eosin-(KLAKLAK)2, however, remain unclear and this lack of knowledge hampers the development of optimized therapeutic agents. Herein, we investigate the localization of eosin-(KLAKLAK)2 in bacteria prior to light treatment and examine the molecular basis for the photodynamic activity of this conjugate.

Methodology/principal findings

By employing photooxidation of 3,3-diaminobenzidine (DAB), (scanning) transmission electr

SUBMITTER: Johnson GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3946741 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature