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Application of bacterial bioluminescence to assess the efficacy of fast-acting biocides

Robinson, Gareth; Thorn, Robin; Tonks, Katherine M.; Reynolds, Darren M.

Authors

Gareth Robinson Gareth2.Robinson@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Director (Partnerships & Planning)

Dr Robin Thorn Robin2.Thorn@uwe.ac.uk
Director of Research and Enterprise

Katherine M. Tonks



Abstract

Traditional microbiological techniques are used to provide reliable data on the rate and extent of kill for a range of biocides. However, such techniques provide very limited data regarding the initial rate of kill of fast-acting biocides over very short time domains. This study describes the application of a recombinant strain of Escherichia coli expressing the Photorhabdus luminescens lux operon as a whole-cell biosensor. Light emission is linked directly to bacterial metabolism; therefore, by monitoring light output, the impact of fast-acting biocides can be assessed. Electrochemically activated solutions (ECASs), bleach, Virkon, and ethanol were assessed at three concentrations (1%, 10%, 80%) in the presence of organic soiling. Over a 2-s time course, 80% ECAS produced the greatest reduction in light output in the absence of organic load but was strongly inhibited by its presence. Eighty percent ethanol outperformed all tested biocides in the presence of organic soil. Bleach and Virkon produced similar reductions in bioluminescence at matched concentrations within the time course of the assay. It was also demonstrated that the assay can be used to rapidly assess the impact of organic soiling. The use of bioluminescent bacteria as whole-cell bioreporters allows assessment of the relative efficacies of fast-acting biocides within milliseconds of application. The assay can be used to investigate activity over short or extended time domains to confirm complete metabolic inhibition of the bioreporter. Moreover, the assay may enable further elucidation of their mechanism of action by allowing the investigation of activity over time domains precluded by traditional microbiology. Copyright © 2011, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Citation

Robinson, G., Tonks, K. M., Thorn, R., & Reynolds, D. M. (2011). Application of bacterial bioluminescence to assess the efficacy of fast-acting biocides. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 55(11), 5214-5219. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.00489-11

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Nov 1, 2011
Deposit Date May 2, 2012
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
Print ISSN 0066-4804
Electronic ISSN 1098-6596
Publisher American Society for Microbiology
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 55
Issue 11
Pages 5214-5219
DOI https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.00489-11
Keywords electrochemically activated solutions, fast-acting biocides, bioluminescence
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/971291
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/AAC.00489-11