Mechanism of Antibacterial Action: Electron Transfer and Oxy Radicals

Authors

James R. Ames, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Michael D. Ryan, Marquette UniversityFollow
Peter Kovacic, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1986

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Free Radical Biology and Medicine

Source ISSN

0891-5849

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1016/S0748-5514(86)80040-X

Abstract

Most of the main categories of bactericidal agents, namely, aliphatic and heterocyclic nitro compounds, metal derivatives and chelators, quinones, azo dyes, and iminium-type ions, are proposed to exert their action by a unified mechanism. The toxic effect is believed to result generally from the catalytic production of reactive oxygen radicals that usually arise via electron transfer. Cyclic voltammetry was performed on a number of these agents. Reductions were for the most part reversible, with potentials in the favorable range of −0.20 to −0.58 V.

Comments

Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Vol. 2 (1986): 377-391. DOI.

Recommended Citation

Ames, James R.; Ryan, Michael D.; and Kovacic, Peter, "Mechanism of Antibacterial Action: Electron Transfer and Oxy Radicals" (1986). Chemistry Faculty Research and Publications. 441.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/chem_fac/441