A genetically-encoded photosensitiser demonstrates killing of bacteria by purely endogenous singlet oxygen.
TagRFP, a fluorescent protein capable of photosensitizing the production of singlet oxygen, was expressed in E. coli. Subsequent exposure to green light induced bacterial cell death in a light-dose dependent manner. It is demonstrated for the first time that intracellular singlet oxygen is sufficient to kill bacteria.
IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Vía Augusta 390, E-08017, Barcelona, Spain.
Rubén
R
Ruiz-González
John H
JH
White
Montserrat
M
Agut
Santi
S
Nonell
Cristina
C
Flors
D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D008027:Light; D008164:Luminescent Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D026082:Singlet Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism*
D008164:Luminescent Proteins; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D026082:Singlet Oxygen