Mechanism of Action of Phenolic Disinfectants VIII. Association of Phenolic Disinfectants with Proteins

Abstract

Association of phenol-14C (P-C-14), p-tert-amylphenol-14C (PTAP-C-14), and 2, 4-dichlorophenol-14C (DCP-C-14) with human serum and bacterial (Micrococcus lysodeikticus) proteins was investigated by means of density gradient ultracentrifugation and Sephadex gel filtration. Definite association between the phenols, PTAP-C-14 and DCP-C-14, and human serum proteins could be demonstrated by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation and with Sephadex gel filtration. The major protein in human serum involved in this association appeared to be albumin. Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation provided data indicating association of bacterial proteins with the three phenolic compounds, but most clear-cut in the case of PTAP-C-14. Protein binding could explain interference of serum with germicidal effects of phenolic disinfectants and enzyme inhibition and structural damage may account for bactericidal action. Association of phenol-14C (P-C-14), p-tert-amylphenol-14C (PTAP-C-14), and 2, 4-dichlorophenol-14C (DCP-C-14) with human serum and bacterial (Micrococcus lysodeikticus) proteins was investigated by means of density gradient ultracentrifugation and Sephadex gel filtration. Definite association between the phenols, PTAP-C-14 and DCP-C-14, and human serum proteins could be demonstrated by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation and with Sephadex gel filtration. The major protein in human serum involved in this association appeared to be albumin. Sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation provided data indicating association of bacterial proteins with the three phenolic compounds, but most clear-cut in the case of PTAP-C-14. Protein binding could explain interference of serum with germicidal effects of phenolic disinfectants and enzyme inhibition and structural damage may account for bactericidal action.