PNNL

Abstract

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) form the major constituent of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, and are believed to play a key role in processes that govern microbial metal binding, microbial adsorption to mineral surfaces, and microbe mediated oxidation/reduction reactions at the bacterial exterior surface. A computational modeling capability is being developed for the study of geochemical reactions at the outer bacterial envelope of Gram-negative bacteria. The understanding of these mechanisms is crucial for the development of successful environmental bioremediation strategies. A molecular model for the rough LPS of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been designed based on available experimentally determined structural information.