Inhibition of E. coli growth by fullerene derivatives and inhibition mechanism

Abstract

Cationic ammonium fullerene derivatives (C 60- bis( N, N-dimethylpyrrolidinium iodide) and C 60- bis( N-methylpiperazinium iodide)) suppressed E. coli growth, whereas an anionic derivative (C 60-dimalonic acid) did not. Both cationic derivatives inhibited E. coli dioxygen consumption. Inhibition of energy metabolism is concluded to be a mechanism of the growth inhibition effect of fullerene derivatives.