Atomic force microscopy study of magainin 2 versus human platelet extract action on Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus.

Some similarities and differences between action of two antimicrobial preparations - cationic antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) magainin 2 and human platelets extract (HPE) demonstrating CAMP properties - on morphological and mechanical properties of E. coli and B. cereus cells were revealed by atomic force microscopy. Both CAMPs induced formation of pore-like lesions on the E. coli surface and resulted in the cell collapse at the apical ends. It was established that HPE damaged the greater quantity of the E. coli cells as well as formed the larger pores as compared with magainin 2. On the other hand, HPE versus magainin 2 was more active against B. cereus cells; this was reflected in a greater number of damaged cells with a significant decrease of cell wall rigidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]