Microbicidal male contraceptive - risug induced morphostructural damage in e.coli

Abstract

Risug, a new polymeric drug with antimicrobial properties has been shown to alter the cell morphology and structure of Escherichia coli.Topographic images, traces of surface topography and analysis of surface roughness were performed, using tapping mode atomic force microscopy in air, for Risug treated as well as untreated E. coli cells.Surface roughness was quantified in terms of root mean square average of the height deviation. The treated cells indicate adhesion of Risug particles to the cell surface, particularly at the terminal ends. Damaged cells indicate flattening of the middle region and bulging at the apical ends. Marked alteration in surface roughness and cell fusion at some regions was observed.