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A Chain‐Elongated Oligophenylenevinylene Electrolyte Increases Microbial Membrane Stability
Author(s) -
Zhou Cheng,
Chia Geraldine W. N.,
Ho James C. S.,
Moreland Alex S.,
Seviour Thomas,
Liedberg Bo,
Parikh Atul N.,
Kjelleberg Staffan,
Hinks Jamie,
Bazan Guillermo C.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201808021
Subject(s) - membrane , context (archaeology) , materials science , biophysics , lipid bilayer , chemical engineering , glycerophospholipid , biochemistry , chemistry , phospholipid , biology , paleontology , engineering
A novel conjugated oligoelectrolyte (COE) material, named S6 , is designed to have a lipid‐bilayer stabilizing topology afforded by an extended oligophenylenevinylene backbone. S6 intercalates biological membranes acting as a hydrophobic support for glycerophospholipid acyl chains. Indeed, Escherichia coli treated with S6 exhibits a twofold improvement in butanol tolerance, a relevant feature to achieve within the general context of modifying microorganisms used in biofuel production. Filamentous growth, a morphological stress response to butanol toxicity in E. coli , is observed in untreated cells after incubation with 0.9% butanol (v/v), but is mitigated by S6 treatment. Real‐time fluorescence imaging using giant unilamellar vesicles reveals the extent to which S6 counters membrane instability. Moreover, S6 also reduces butanol‐induced lipopolysaccharide release from the outer membrane to further maintain cell integrity. These findings highlight a deliberate effort in the molecular design of a chain‐elongated COE to stabilize microbial membranes against environmental challenges.