A fast screening method for surface layers on Gram-positive bacteria


A fast screening method for surface layers on Gram-positive bacteria

Wahl, R.; Raff, J.; Selenska-Pobell, S.; Mertig, M.; Pompe, W.

A two-step screening method is described to identify regularly arranged surface layers (S layers) on Gram-positive bacterial strains. A non-destructive release of S-layer sheets is achieved by enzymatic hydrolysis of the underlying peptidoglycan using lysozyme. The existence of regular S layers is then directly confirmed by scanning force microscopy or transmission electron microscopy. This method requires a minimal amount of bacterial cells and may be used as a 'quick test' for demonstrating the presence of S layers.

Keywords: Bacillaceae; bacterial surface layer (S layer); lysozyme; microscopy; screening

  • Biotechnology letters 23, 1485-1490 (2001)

Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-4363
Publ.-Id: 4363