Open AccessThe membrane destabilising action of the antibacterial agent chlorhexidine
Author(s) -
BarrettBee Keith,
Newboult Lorraine,
Edwards Sarah
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
fems microbiology letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1574-6968
pISSN - 0378-1097
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6968.1994.tb06896.x
Subject(s) - periplasmic space , membrane , bacteria , antibacterial activity , chlorhexidine , chemistry , antibacterial agent , bacterial outer membrane , biochemistry , biophysics , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , antibiotics , escherichia coli , medicine , genetics , dentistry , gene
The antibacterial agent chlorhexidine has long been used as an agent for medical antisepsis. This compound is a membrane active agent which probably has its major antibacterial action by interference with the function of cellular membranes. The results demonstrated an inhibition of oxygen utilisation by bacteria which was related to falls in cellular ATP levels. There was an effect on the outer membranes of Gram‐negative bacteria which allowed the release of periplasmic enzymes. The inner membrane was not ruptured but its functionality was breached and there was an inhibition of active uptake of small molecules which did not appear to be related to cellular ATP levels.