Abstract
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the main component of green tea extracts that inhibits the growth of Mycobacterial smegmatis mc2155, and the mechanism is not clear. This study showed the effects of EGCG on the growth of mc2155. The content and the structure of EGCG in LB medium with mc2155 were identified by HPLC and LC/MS. Transmission electron microscopy was utilised to identify the cell envelope structure. As a result, the optional inhibition concentration was determined to be 20 μg mL− 1. Most of EGCG was transferred into its isomeride in LB medium, but the inhibition effects against mc2155 had yet been maintained. The changes of cell envelope structure were showed after EGCG treatment for 18 h. The cell wall appeared to have a less electron-translucent zone, turn rougher and thicker. The results show that EGCG impacts the integrity of mycobacterial cell wall and is likely be a better prophylactic agent against tuberculosis.
Acknowledgement
The plasmid pSMT1 was gifted by Prof. Douglas Young.
Notes
1. These authors contributed equally to this work.