Effect of cations on the structure of bilayers formed by lipopolysaccharides isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

J Phys Chem B. 2008 Jul 10;112(27):8057-62. doi: 10.1021/jp8027963. Epub 2008 Jun 13.

Abstract

The asymmetric outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria contains lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) which contribute significantly to the bacterium's surface properties and play a crucial role in regulating membrane permeability. We report on neutron diffraction studies performed on aligned, self-assembled bilayers of Na-, Ca-, and Mg-salt forms of LPS isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. From the one-dimensional neutron scattering length density profiles we find that water penetrates Ca2+-LPS bilayers to a lesser extent than either Na+- or Mg2+-LPS bilayers. This differential water penetration could have implications as to how small molecules permeate the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and, possibly, how nonlamellar phases are formed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cations / pharmacology*
  • Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
  • Lipid Bilayers / metabolism
  • Lipopolysaccharides / chemistry*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / isolation & purification*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / metabolism
  • Metals / pharmacology*
  • Neutron Diffraction
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / chemistry*
  • Water / metabolism

Substances

  • Cations
  • Lipid Bilayers
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Metals
  • Water