The absorption by Escherichia coli of phenols and their bactericidal activity

Abstract

Abstract The uptake of several phenols by E. coli may be represented by absorption isotherms. The uptake pattern for dilute solutions suggests partitioning between the cells and aqueous solution but at higher concentrations a change in the uptake pattern suggests protein precipitation. An inflexion in the absorption isotherms corresponds with concentrations producing high levels of activity and can be used to forecast concentrations needed to produce rapid rates of kill.