The in Vitro Effects of Peptide-Precipitating Lignosulphonic Acids on Various Biologically Active Substances Produced by or with Action on Microorganisms

Abstract

The effects of lignosulphonic acids on colicins, coliphages, different antibiotics, s-toxin of Staphylococcus aureus, lecithinases of Clostridium perfringens and of Bacillus cereus, hemolysins of Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli, the bactericidal effect of lysolecithin and on specific and naturally occurring serum proteinase inhibitors have been studied. It was found that lignosulphonic acids distinctly inhibit the biological activities tested, with the possible exceptions of the inhibitory effects of serum antiproteinases, naturally occurring inhibitors in serum, and the bacteriolytic effect of coliphages. The inhibiting effects are discussed in relation to the use of animal fodder containing lignosulphonic acids, and to the appearance of a selected microbial flora in sulphite spent liquor recipients.