Influence of Sodium Hexametaphosphate on Selected Bacteria

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Sodium hexametaphosphate (HEX), the solvent of calcium alginate wool used in swabbing inanimate surfaces was studied relative to its effect on various bacterial populations, both pure cultures and wild. It was found that bacteria in wild populations were greatly inhibited, and that a percentage reduction of count was directly related to concentration of HEX. Most gram-positive bacteria were prevented from growing on a medium containing 0.1% HEX. This, or a higher concentration, occurred in the final medium when the method recommended in Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products was followed. Growth of Sarcina lutea occurred on media with higher concentrations than that of inhibition (0.05%), if MgSO4·7H2O was incorporated in the medium. Gram-negative bacteria were capable of growing in higher concentrations, even up to 10% HEX. A large percentage of the cells of some strains (represented by Pseudomonas fluorescens) were lysed on contact with HEX. Lysis could be prevented by the addition of NaCl or MgSO4·7H2O. The evidence presented suggests that HEX, a phosphate-glass water-softening sequestrant, interferes with divalent cation metabolism, notably magnesium ion, and possibly others, producing cell division inhibition and loss of cell-wall integrity. The mechanism of action was not elucidated.

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