Gram‐Typing Using Conjugated Oligoelectrolytes

It is shown that Gram‐type differentiation, an essential tool in microbiology, can now be easily accomplished by using the chain‐elongated conjugated oligoelectrolyte COE‐S6. Specifically, COE‐S6 can be used as a fluorescent membrane probe that distinguishes between Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advanced functional materials 2020-10, Vol.30 (42), p.n/a
Main Authors: Zhou, Cheng, Ho, James C. S., Chia, Geraldine W. N., Moreland, Alex S., Ruan, Lin, Liedberg, Bo, Kjelleberg, Staffan, Hinks, Jamie, Bazan, Guillermo C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria
biofilm imaging
conjugated oligoelectrolytes
Fluorescent indicators
Gram staining
Intercalation
lipopolysaccharides
Materials science
Membranes
Microbiology
Microorganisms
naked eye detection
Phospholipids
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Summary:It is shown that Gram‐type differentiation, an essential tool in microbiology, can now be easily accomplished by using the chain‐elongated conjugated oligoelectrolyte COE‐S6. Specifically, COE‐S6 can be used as a fluorescent membrane probe that distinguishes between Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria in a single step. Confocal microscopy of labeled microorganisms and differential scanning calorimetry with phospholipid‐ and lipopolysaccharide‐containing model membranes suggest that lipopolysaccharides impede COE‐S6 membrane intercalation in Gram‐negative bacteria. Both Gram‐types within a mixture are discretely labeled by counterstaining COE‐S6 with the nonspecific and lipophilic membrane probe FM 4–64. This single‐step procedure allows for the in situ visualization of individual Gram‐types in complex polymicrobial biofilms. Given that COE‐S6 fluorescence intensity increases considerably post intercalation, it can be used for the detection of Gram‐positive bacteria by the naked eye. COE‐S6 does not inhibit bacterial growth and is simple to use, making it a promising membrane‐specific fluorescent probe. A fluorescent conjugated oligoelectrolyte with an elongated backbone can distinguish between Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria in a single step. This new technique enables in situ visualization of individual Gram‐types in complex polymicrobial biofilms and the detection of Gram‐positive bacteria by the naked eye by using a hand‐held UV lamp.
ISSN:1616-301X
1616-3028
DOI:10.1002/adfm.202004068