Characterization of lipopolysaccharide monolayers from Bdellovibrio predator and E. coli prey

COLL 239

Catherine Burke Volle, cbvolle@mtholyoke.edu1, Stephanie Azan1, Eileen M. Spain, emspain@oxy.edu2, and Megan E. Nunez1. (1) Department of Chemistry, Mount Holyoke College, 50 College Street, South Hadley, MA 01075, (2) Department of Chemistry, Occidental College, 1600 Campus Road, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus is a small, Gram-negative bacterium that preys upon other Gram-negative bacteria. Predation involves a specific adhesion process between the bdellovibrio cell and the outer membrane of the prey. It is unclear what is being recognized, but it is likely that lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are involved. Our goal is to carefully examine the similarities and differences between prey cells and predator cells using chemical and physical techniques. By comparing the lipopolysaccharides from E. coli prey strains to the predator lipopolysaccharides we hope to identify the salient feature that identifies prey cells as edible. As a model for the outer membranes, we characterize monolayers from prey and predator lipopolysaccharides on the surface of a Langmuir-Blodgett trough. We then transfer the monolayers to a solid substrate, and examine them by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The physical properties of the prey and predator membranes can thus be compared.
 

Fundamental Research in Colloid and Surface Chemistry
6:00 PM-8:00 PM, Monday, August 20, 2007 BCEC -- East Registration, Poster

Division of Colloid & Surface Chemistry

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007