The Interaction of Phenolic Compounds with Bacteria

Abstract
Various quantitative aspects of the interaction of hexylresorcinol with E. coli suspensions are described. The amounts of hexylresorcinol bound by the bacteria from solutions of varying concentrations were determined and the speed of this reaction and the influence of temperature on the extent of binding examined. The release of cellular constituents from the bacteria and the changes in the light-scattering properties of E. coli suspensions on addition of hexylresorcinol were also investigated. These results are discussed in relation to the site of antibacterial action of hexylresorcinol.