Glochidioboside Kills Pathogenic Bacteria by Membrane Perturbation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effects of glochidioboside and determine its mechanism of action. Glochidioboside has been reported to be isolated from some plants but the underlying biological properties have remained largely obscure until now. To identify the antibacterial activity of all biological properties, pathogenic bacteria susceptibility test was performed, and the result shows that the compound displays remarkable antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria not to mention general pathogen. To demonstrate membrane disruption and depolarization, SYTOX green and bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol were used with Escherichia coli O157, and indicated that glochidioboside affected cytoplasmic membranes by permeabilization and depolarization, respectively. Calcein efflux was evident in a membrane model that encapsulated fluorescent dye, and supported the hypothesis of a membrane-active mechanism. To confirm the release of intracellular matrix owing to membrane damage, the movements of potassium ion were observed; the results indicated that the cells treated with glochidioboside leaked potassium ion, thus the damage induced by the compounds lead to leaking intracellular components. We propose that glochidioboside kills pathogenic bacteria via perturbation of integrity of the membrane.