The Response of E. coli to the Biocide Polyhexamethylene Biguanide

The study investigates the effects of polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) on E. coli, revealing its dual bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties based on concentration. Analysis of transcriptional and protein profiles indicates that exposure to PHMB alters gene expression related to membrane functions and cytoplasmic processes. Notably, the research highlights the induction of DNA and protein damage responses, suggesting PHMB's impact extends beyond the cell envelope into the cytoplasm, where it binds to nucleic acids and influences their precipitation.